Private Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Scan in London

A carotid Doppler ultrasound scan is a non-invasive duplex ultrasound test that assesses the carotid and vertebral arteries in the neck. It checks for plaque, narrowing, blood-flow changes and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, also known as CIMT or IMT.

The carotid Doppler ultrasound scan is priced at £249. The price includes bilateral carotid and vertebral artery assessment, CIMT measurement, same-day verbal findings and a written report within 24 hours.

No GP referral is required. You can self-refer and book directly online, by phone or by contacting the clinic team.

The scan usually takes around 20 minutes, although the total visit may vary depending on your symptoms, medical history and whether additional explanation is needed.

No special preparation is required. You can eat, drink and take medication as normal. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the neck and remove necklaces if possible.

The scan assesses both common carotid arteries, internal carotid arteries, external carotid arteries, carotid bifurcations and vertebral arteries. It also measures Doppler velocities and CIMT.

Yes. The scan is a bilateral carotid Doppler assessment, meaning both sides of the neck are assessed in one appointment.

CIMT stands for Carotid Intima-Media Thickness. It is a measurement of the inner carotid artery wall layers and can support assessment of early arterial ageing and cardiovascular risk when interpreted with other risk factors.

CIMT may identify early arterial wall thickening before major narrowing is present. It is most useful when combined with blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, smoking history and family history.

Yes. Ultrasound can detect plaque build-up, plaque location, plaque extent and plaque appearance such as calcified, mixed or soft plaque patterns.

Yes. Where narrowing is present, the scan uses imaging appearance and Doppler blood-flow velocities to estimate the degree of stenosis, commonly using NASCET-style grading criteria.

NASCET grading is a recognised method for describing the percentage narrowing of the carotid artery. It helps guide whether routine risk-factor management, specialist review or urgent vascular assessment may be appropriate.

PSV means Peak Systolic Velocity. It measures the fastest blood-flow speed during the heartbeat and helps estimate whether a carotid narrowing is mild, moderate or severe.

EDV means End-Diastolic Velocity. It measures blood-flow speed between heartbeats and is used alongside PSV, vessel appearance and ICA/CCA ratio.

The ICA/CCA ratio compares blood-flow speed in the internal carotid artery with the common carotid artery. It helps standardise stenosis interpretation.

Yes. The vertebral arteries are assessed for flow direction, symmetry and quality. This is relevant when symptoms include dizziness, balance disturbance or posterior circulation concerns.

It can help assess stroke risk by identifying carotid plaque, significant stenosis, abnormal blood flow and increased CIMT. It should be interpreted with your overall clinical risk profile.

No. Carotid Doppler assesses the neck arteries and does not diagnose an active stroke. Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, visual loss or one-sided neurological symptoms require immediate 999 assessment.

Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech disturbance, sudden visual loss, new one-sided numbness, severe sudden dizziness with neurological symptoms or suspected TIA/stroke should be assessed urgently through emergency services.

Consider booking if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, family history of stroke, a clinician-heard neck bruit, known cardiovascular disease or a need for baseline carotid health assessment.

Carotid Doppler is often part of TIA/stroke risk assessment, but recent or active neurological symptoms should be managed urgently through NHS emergency or specialist stroke services.

Yes. If a clinician has heard a bruit over the neck artery, carotid Doppler can assess whether plaque, stenosis or turbulent flow is present.

No. It is usually painless. You lie on your back while gel is applied to the neck and a handheld probe is moved gently over each side.

No. Carotid Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves. It does not use ionising radiation, contrast dye or injections.

Yes. The scan does not use contrast dye or radiation, so kidney function and contrast allergy are usually not barriers to ultrasound assessment.

Mild plaque is usually reported with advice to review cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking. Your GP or specialist can advise on treatment and prevention.

The report grades the narrowing and includes key Doppler measurements. Depending on severity and symptoms, GP, cardiology, neurology or vascular surgery review may be recommended.

If severe or urgent findings are identified, the report will state this clearly and you may be advised to seek urgent specialist or emergency care depending on symptoms and clinical context.

No. Carotid Doppler is a first-line, non-invasive test for many patients, but CT angiography or MR angiography may be needed for complex, inconclusive or pre-surgical cases.

Accuracy depends on the sonographer, equipment, patient anatomy and disease pattern. A specialist vascular sonographer uses B-mode, colour Doppler, spectral Doppler and velocity criteria to improve diagnostic reliability.

Yes. Carotid ultrasound is commonly used for post-surgical or post-stent surveillance, depending on your specialist’s follow-up plan.

Yes. Take your regular medication as normal unless a clinician has advised otherwise. Bring a medication list if available.

Yes. Bring previous carotid scans, CT/MR angiograms, hospital letters, blood pressure readings, cholesterol results or medication lists if you have them.

Relevant images and measurements are stored and can be included or provided with the written report where clinically appropriate.

You receive verbal findings on the day, and a written diagnostic report is typically provided within 24 hours.

The scan is performed and reported by experienced vascular ultrasound clinicians under doctor-led clinical governance.

Yes. The report is suitable for sharing with an NHS GP, private GP, cardiologist, neurologist, vascular surgeon or insurer where relevant.

It can be used for baseline carotid and stroke-risk screening in selected patients, especially when risk factors are present. It should not replace a full cardiovascular risk review.

Carotid Doppler focuses on neck arteries. A broader stroke-risk assessment may include blood tests, blood pressure, ECG, heart-risk calculation and wider cardiovascular review.

Yes. Blood tests can be arranged separately, or you can consider a broader carotid and stroke health check if you want vascular imaging plus cardiovascular blood-panel assessment.