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Hours

Location

Contact

Hours

Location

Contact

Hours

Location

Contact

Hours


What We Do

An ultrasound examination lets us see the organs, soft tissues and blood vessels inside your body. It uses sound waves to make images of the organs and soft tissues that we can study.

Materials and Resources to Help You

The Patient & Family Education Program at UHN offers valuable resources to help you understand your condition.

Resources from the Patient & Family Education Program

Visit our Health Information section to find dedicated resources to help you understand your condition. Find the information you're looking for.​

Your Procedure


How do I Prepare for my Ultrasound?

  • Carotid Ultrasound
    This ultrasound shows us the major blood vessels in your neck. There is no preparation for this examination.
  • Lower Limb Venous Ultrasound
    This ultrasound detects blockages in the veins of your leg. There is no preparation for this examination.
  • Dialysis Access Evaluation Ultrasound
    This ultrasound is used to measure blood flow and detect blockages. There is no preparation for this examination.
  • Evaluation of Vascular Angioplasty Stents and Limb Bypass Grafts
    This ultrasound is used to measure blood flow and detect blockages. There is no preparation for this examination.
  • Peripheral Arterial Ultrasound
    This ultrasound is used to measure blood flow and detect blockages. There is no preparation for this examination.
  • Varicose Vein Ultrasound
    This ultrasound is used to measure blood flow and see the structure of your leg veins. There is no preparation for this examination.

What to Bring

  • Your requisition (if you have it)
  • Health card (OHIP card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card). Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment so that we can process your paperwork
  • If you are late, your appointment may be subject to re-scheduling

Before the Ultrasound

When you arrive at the Vascular Lab, check in at the reception desk. The ultrasound technologist (also called a sonographer) will come to get you from the waiting room when it's time for your scan. Then you'll be asked to change into a hospital gown.

During the Ultrasound

You'll be asked to lie down and a clear water-based gel will be applied to the part of your body being scanned. The technologist or radiologist will then firmly rub an ultrasound probe back and forth over the area until all the pictures are taken.

The scan usually takes an hour – it will depend on how many scans we'll need to take. But we do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.

The Results of Your Ultrasound

The images will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon, who will write up a report. You'll be able to get the results from your doctor. Please understand that the technologist can't give you the results when your scan is finished.​

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