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What does a carotid ultrasound examine?
A carotid ultrasound (also known as a carotid duplex or Doppler scan) is an ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries, which run up either side of your neck and supply blood to your brain. It allows your doctor to check:
- Artery walls: Whether plaque is present in the walls of the carotid arteries.
- Narrowing: How much an artery has narrowed (stenosis).
- Blood flow: Using Doppler ultrasound, the scan measures the direction and speed of blood flowing through the arteries.
During the scan, a sonographer will move a small ultrasound probe over the skin of your neck to record images of the arteries and measure blood flow. The reporting doctor will then use both the images and the Doppler measurements to judge how significant any narrowing is.
Why your doctor may request the scan
Your GP or specialist may request a carotid ultrasound:
- As part of an assessment after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- To monitor a known carotid narrowing
- To look more closely at the neck arteries after examination findings or earlier imaging
Plaque can narrow an artery. A small piece of plaque, or a clot that forms on it, can also travel towards the brain and block a smaller artery. The scan is one part of assessing that risk, but it does not show every cause of stroke. Heart rhythm problems and disease in other blood vessels may need separate tests.
Sudden stroke symptoms need urgent care
Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking are possible stroke symptoms. Call triple zero (000) immediately, even if the symptoms improve. Sudden loss of vision or weakness on one side also needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for an ultrasound appointment.
A carotid ultrasound is not a general test for every episode of dizziness or fainting. Your GP or specialist will consider your symptoms and decide whether imaging the neck arteries is likely to answer the question.
Performed by Scope Radiology
Scope Radiology performs this scan at its Clayton imaging centre and will confirm your scan appointment, preparation instructions, and fees.
Neck artery images
Plaque in the artery walls, and any narrowing
Doppler measurements
How fast and which way the blood flows
No contrast injection
Ultrasound only, with no X-rays
What happens during the appointment
- Getting started:
The sonographer will ask about your symptoms, any previous scans, and any treatment you have had on your carotid arteries. - Getting comfortable:
You will lie on an examination bed, usually with your head supported and turned slightly away from the side being scanned. - The scan:
The sonographer will apply gel to your neck, then glide a small hand-held ultrasound probe over the skin, usually checking both sides. They will record images along the arteries and measure blood flow at particular points, including any areas where plaque is seen. - Sounds:
You may hear pulsing or swishing sounds from the machine. This is just the Doppler turning the blood-flow signal into sound. The sonographer may ask you not to talk for a moment while a measurement is recorded. - Wrap up:
Once the images have been checked, the gel will be wiped off and you can usually return to your normal activities.
Positioning and comfort
Some pressure from the probe is needed to get a clear view. If this feels painful, please let your sonographer know. Tell them before the scan starts if you have neck stiffness, recent surgery or dressings, or difficulty lying back, so you can discuss the best position.
The scan does not need a needle, a catheter, or a contrast injection.
If you've been referred for imaging
Your GP or specialist can determine whether imaging would help and refer you for the right scan. Please have your referral ready when confirming your booking so the Scope Radiology team can verify which scan has been requested and confirm your preparation and appointment details.
A Heartscope cardiologist consultation and a Scope Radiology scan are separate appointments. If you are having both, please confirm where each appointment will take place.
Fees
Scope Radiology will confirm the scan fee and any out-of-pocket amount before your visit. Medicare eligibility depends on the scan and your referral. For the latest scan fees, see Scope Radiology's Clayton clinic page. If you also need a Heartscope consultation, it has its own fee.
Understanding your results
Scope Radiology will prepare a detailed report describing any plaque and estimating the amount of narrowing from the images and blood-flow measurements, and forward it directly to your referring doctor. Your doctor will explain how the findings fit with your symptoms and other stroke risk factors.
Your care may include medications and managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, or smoking. Some people need a vascular specialist's opinion about a substantial narrowing, particularly if it has caused symptoms. Whether to treat a narrowing depends on the risks and likely benefits for each person.
If you have known carotid disease, follow-up scans may be used to check for changes. How often you need them depends on the findings and your treating specialist's advice, so it differs from person to person.
Preparing for the appointment
This scan is performed by Scope Radiology. Please follow their preparation instructions for your scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carotid ultrasound done at Heartscope clinics?
No. This scan is performed by Scope Radiology, and your imaging appointment is with them. A Heartscope cardiologist can assess you and refer you where appropriate.
Are carotid Doppler and carotid duplex different tests?
Not usually. The two names are often used for the same scan. A duplex scan combines an ultrasound image of the artery's structure with Doppler information about blood flow.
Does the scan show whether I've had a stroke?
No. The scan can show neck artery disease that may contribute to a stroke, but it does not show damage to the brain. Brain imaging and other tests are used to assess a possible stroke.
Why might I need another scan if I feel well?
A known narrowing can change without causing symptoms. A follow-up scan allows your doctor to compare the artery and blood-flow measurements with earlier results and decide whether your care plan needs adjusting.
Does everyone need a carotid scan to check stroke risk?
No. Your GP or specialist will consider your symptoms, any known artery disease, and examination findings before deciding whether a scan would change your care.
Can I drive afterwards?
A routine carotid ultrasound does not use any sedatives. However, any driving restrictions from a recent TIA, stroke, fainting episode, or another medical condition still apply, so please follow your treating doctor's advice.
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Cardiology clinics across Melbourne.
Carotid Ultrasound
Ashburton
ashburton
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Boronia
boronia
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 7 Day ECG Holter Monitor | $250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Coolaroo
coolaroo
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Cranbourne
cranbourne
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Dandenong
dandenong
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Keysborough
keysborough
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Lalor
lalor
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
M-City Clayton
clayton
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Melbourne
melbourne
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 7 Day ECG Holter Monitor | $250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Moonee Ponds
moonee-ponds
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Mooroolbark
mooroolbark
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Pakenham
pakenham
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
St Albans
st-albans
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Sunnybank
sunnybank
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $100, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 |
| HeartBug | Privately billed |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Werribee
werribee
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Wheelers Hill
wheelers-hill
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
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