Leg Doppler test · ABPI · Harley Street, Central London & St Albans · 7 days a week
An arterial Doppler ultrasound (leg Doppler test) is a painless, radiation-free scan of the arteries in your legs that shows how well blood is flowing and where it is narrowed or blocked.
It checks leg pain on walking, cold feet, weak pulses and slow-healing wounds for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and can be combined with an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI).
At London Private Ultrasound an arterial Doppler costs £249 for one leg or £449 for both, with no GP referral needed. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, your findings are explained before you leave, and your written report follows within 24 hours.
Arterial Doppler with ABPI is £299 for one leg or £499 for both, in the same appointment. Why combine the two.
| Price | £249 one leg · £449 both legs · with ABPI £299 one leg · £499 both legs |
|---|---|
| Also called | Leg arterial Doppler · Doppler test for legs · peripheral arterial Doppler · arterial duplex scan · blood circulation Doppler test |
| What it checks | The leg arteries from groin to ankle: blood flow, narrowing and blockages, plus ankle-to-arm pressure (ABPI) if added |
| Preparation | None: eat, drink and take your medication as normal; wear clothes that let us reach your legs and arms |
| Results | Verbal on the day · written report within 24 hours |
Both scan the arteries in your legs. Adding the ankle-brachial pressure index gives each leg a number for how much blood pressure reaches the ankle, which is how peripheral arterial disease is graded. Choose one leg for one-sided symptoms, or both legs to compare the two sides.
From£249
Best when your doctor wants the arteries imaged, or you know where your symptoms are.
From£299
Best for leg pain on walking, diabetes, foot wounds or when your GP has asked for an ABPI.
Not sure which one suits you? Give us a call on 020 7101 3377 or message us on WhatsApp and we will talk it through. If your GP has asked for an ABPI, choose the Doppler + ABPI option.
Choose your scan and one or both legs, then a clinic and a time. Same-day and next-day slots are often available, 7 days a week.
Choose your scan
Pick one or both legs, a clinic and a time on the next screen. Not sure which one? Call 020 7101 3377 or message us on WhatsApp.
Think of the ABPI as a number and the Doppler as a map. The ABPI tells you how much blood pressure is reaching each ankle. The Doppler shows where an artery is narrowed or blocked and how badly flow is affected. Your GP or vascular surgeon usually needs both to decide what happens next.
| ABPI on its own | Arterial Doppler on its own | Arterial Doppler + ABPI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Compares ankle and arm blood pressure with cuffs and a small Doppler probe | Images the leg arteries and measures blood flow with ultrasound | Both, in one appointment |
| Tells you if PAD is likely | Yes, with a number for each leg | Yes, from the images and waveforms | Yes, from two independent checks |
| Shows where the problem is | No | Yes, artery by artery | Yes |
| Grades severity | Yes, by the ABPI value | Partly, from narrowing and waveforms | Yes, with a number to track over time |
| Stiff or calcified arteries (diabetes, kidney disease) | Can read falsely normal or high | Waveforms still show reduced flow | The Doppler checks the ABPI |
Your clinician follows the arteries down each leg, from the groin to the ankle, and listens to and measures the blood flow at each level.
Fatty plaque that builds up in the leg arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD is also a sign of higher risk of heart attack and stroke, so finding it matters beyond the legs.
Blood speeds up where an artery narrows, and the Doppler measures it. This shows which artery is affected, so your doctor knows where any treatment would be aimed.
A segment with no flow, and the small side branches (collaterals) carrying blood around it. Long blockages often explain calf pain that comes on after a short walk.
Healthy leg arteries have a sharp, three-part (triphasic) signal. A damped, monophasic signal means disease higher up the leg, even when that segment cannot be seen clearly.
A widening of the artery behind the knee or in the groin. It is less common, but it can block suddenly, so it is measured and reported when seen.
A check on flow through a stent or bypass after vascular surgery. Renarrowing found early is easier to treat than a graft that has already blocked.
Your ABPI is the highest blood pressure at your ankle divided by the highest blood pressure in your arms. For example, 110 at the ankle and 125 in the arm gives an ABPI of 0.88. In healthy legs the ankle pressure is the same as or a little higher than the arm.
| ABPI | What it usually means | Usual next step |
|---|---|---|
| Above 1.4 | Stiff or calcified arteries, common with diabetes and kidney disease. The number may be falsely high. | The Doppler waveforms decide whether flow is reduced |
| 1.0 to 1.4 | Normal | No arterial cause found for leg symptoms |
| 0.91 to 0.99 | Borderline | Risk-factor review with your GP, and a repeat if symptoms continue |
| 0.5 to 0.90 | Peripheral arterial disease, mild to moderate | GP treatment and exercise therapy; vascular review if symptoms limit you |
| Below 0.5 | Severe peripheral arterial disease | Prompt vascular surgeon review, urgently with rest pain or wounds |
Ranges follow the American Heart Association statement on ABPI measurement and NICE guidance on peripheral arterial disease. Your clinician reads the number together with your symptoms and the Doppler findings.
For leg pain on walking or cold feet, a Doppler is the simplest way to see whether your circulation is the cause.
Most people book because walking has started to hurt, their feet feel cold, or a doctor has noticed weak pulses or a slow-healing wound.
Cramping in the calf, thigh or buttock that comes on with walking and eases with rest (claudication).
One foot colder or paler than the other, numbness, or shiny skin and hair loss on the lower leg.
A sore on the foot, toe or lower leg that is not healing, or before compression therapy for a leg ulcer.
Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or kidney disease, especially over the age of 50.
A GP, nurse or podiatrist could not feel your foot pulses or measured a low ABPI and wants the arteries imaged.
A check after an angioplasty, stent or bypass, or monitoring known peripheral arterial disease.
Do not wait for a routine scan if a leg or foot suddenly becomes painful, cold, pale, numb or weak. This can be a blocked artery and needs treatment within hours. Call 999 or go to A&E.
There is nothing special to do. Eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, because we need to reach your legs from the groin to the ankle and, for the ABPI, your upper arms. Bring your medication list and any earlier scan reports or ABPI results.
Your clinician asks where it hurts, how far you can walk, about any wounds and about diabetes, smoking and earlier vascular treatment, so the scan is focused on your question.
You lie flat and rest for a few minutes. Cuffs are inflated on each arm and ankle in turn while a small Doppler probe listens to the pulse, giving the pressures for your ABPI.
Warm gel goes on your leg and the probe moves from the groin down to the ankle, measuring flow at each level. You will hear a whooshing sound, which is your blood flow.
Your clinician explains what they found, including your ABPI if it was measured, and answers your questions.
The arteries scanned, any narrowing or blockage, the waveforms and your ABPI, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
We tell you on the day if a finding is urgent, and your report says who should see you next and how soon.
Book a same-day or next-day arterial Doppler, 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with no GP referral and no NHS waiting list.
Your clinician explains the findings before you leave. The written report with your ABPI and Doppler findings follows within 24 hours.
Your scan is performed by clinicians experienced in vascular ultrasound, in a CQC-registered clinic with doctor-led clinical governance.
£249 for one leg or £449 for both, or £299 and £499 with ABPI, including the written report. Nothing extra to pay afterwards.
I had a very positive experience at London Private Ultrasound. The whole process was smooth and professional, and I felt very comfortable throughout the appointment. The sonographer was kind, thorough and took the time to explain everything clearly during the scan. I really appreciated the level of care and attention, and the examination helped identify the cause of the symptoms I had been experiencing. I would definitely recommend their service.
This is my third visit to the London Private Ultrasound. The earlier ones were in 2022, then 2024 I got my appointment very quickly, at an agreed and mutually convenient time. I specifically asked for Dr Reza again. As before, he was professional, kind and unhurried, There was ample time to discuss findings which was very reassuring. I received the full report the following morning I continue to recommend this excellent service to my colleagues. Many thanks for keeping up such high standards !
Looked on line at 9.30 ,had an appointment at 10.40 ,results before 12 , Could not have been easier or more professional
Very easy to book at short notice. Friendly staff and professional Sonographer. Would definitely book again.
Quick and easy to make an appointment, I arrived early and was seen early due to availability. Very nice
Very happy with ultrasound very throrough examination. Will use again
Two clinics, seven days a week, 9am to 7pm, with same-day and next-day appointments frequently available. Both offer the arterial Doppler from £249 for one leg, with or without ABPI, verbal results on the day and a written report within 24 hours.
27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Two minutes from Bond Street (Elizabeth line, Central, Jubilee), five from Oxford Circus, eight from Marylebone and Baker Street. Convenient for patients travelling in from Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Soho, the City and Paddington.
54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ
A short walk from St Albans City station, with parking nearby. Convenient for patients across Hertfordshire, North London, Watford, Hatfield, Harpenden and Welwyn Garden City.
Our clinic is CQC registered, and our doctors, radiologists, sonographers and surgeons work under the registers and professional standards set by these bodies.
The Royal College of Radiologists
Professional standards, education and guidance for clinical radiology and clinical oncology.
General Medical Council
Official register and professional standards for doctors and regulated medical associates.
Care Quality Commission
Independent regulator of health and adult social-care services in England.
Health and Care Professions Council
Official register for regulated health and care professionals, including radiographers.
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Professional standards, education and support for surgical practice and patient care.
A private arterial Doppler of the legs in London usually costs about £200 to £500, depending on one or both legs and whether ABPI is included. At London Private Ultrasound it is £249 for one leg or £449 for both, and £299 or £499 with ABPI.
No. An ABPI compares the blood pressure at your ankle with your arm and gives one number for each leg. An arterial Doppler ultrasound images the leg arteries and shows where blood flow is narrowed or blocked. They answer different questions, which is why they are often done together.
A normal ABPI is 1.0 to 1.4. From 0.91 to 0.99 is borderline, 0.90 or below suggests peripheral arterial disease, and below 0.5 usually means severe disease. Above 1.4 often means stiff, calcified arteries, so the number is less reliable. See what your ABPI means.
An ABPI of 0.90 or below is a good marker of narrowing in the leg arteries. It is less reliable when arteries are stiff or calcified, which is common with diabetes and kidney disease, and it cannot show where the problem is. Adding a Doppler ultrasound fills both gaps.
It checks whether enough blood is reaching your legs and feet. It is used to find the cause of calf, thigh or buttock pain on walking, cold or pale feet, weak foot pulses and slow-healing wounds, and to diagnose or monitor peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
No. An arterial Doppler checks the arteries that carry blood to the leg. A DVT Doppler checks the veins for a blood clot, usually for a swollen, painful calf. If you are not sure which Doppler ultrasound you need, call us.
Book one leg if your symptoms are clearly on one side. Book both legs if both are affected, if you have diabetes or several risk factors, or if you want the two sides compared. Disease often affects both legs even when only one hurts.
No. You can book directly online, by phone on 020 7101 3377 or on WhatsApp. Online booking is for patients aged 18 and over. If your GP, podiatrist or nurse has already measured an ABPI, bring the result.
You lie on a couch with your legs uncovered while a probe with warm gel moves along the arteries from the groin to the ankle. With ABPI, cuffs are inflated on your arms and ankles too. Allow 30 to 40 minutes for the visit.
The arteries to your legs start in the lower abdomen as the iliac arteries. Narrowing there can cause buttock or thigh pain on walking, so a leg arterial scan may follow the arteries up from the groin. Your report says which segments were assessed.
No. The Doppler probe only presses lightly and there is no radiation, needle or dye. During the ABPI the cuffs squeeze firmly for a few seconds, like a normal blood pressure check. If you have a painful ulcer, tell us before the cuff goes on.
Yes, and it matters more. Diabetes can stiffen the leg arteries so the ABPI reads falsely normal or high. The Doppler waveforms still show whether flow is reduced, so for people with diabetes the combined Doppler and ABPI gives a far more reliable answer.
Your clinician explains the findings before you leave, including your ABPI if it was measured. The written report follows by email within 24 hours, ready to share with your GP, podiatrist, diabetes team or vascular surgeon.
Most people with PAD are treated with a supervised exercise programme, a statin, an antiplatelet medicine and stopping smoking, through their GP. Your report says when a vascular surgeon should see you. Pain at rest, ulcers or a cold, pale foot need urgent review.
Yes. A GP or practice nurse can measure your ABPI and refer you to a vascular clinic for an arterial Doppler if needed, which is free but can involve a wait. A private scan needs no referral and is often available the same or next day.
Often, yes. Both clinics, 27 Welbeck Street in Central London and Victoria Street in St Albans, are open 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with same-day and next-day appointments. Call 020 7101 3377 or use the booking calendar.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information and does not replace individual medical advice. An arterial Doppler and ABPI assess blood flow in the legs; a normal result cannot rule out every cause of leg pain, and further tests or specialist review may still be needed. Call 999 or go to A&E if a leg or foot suddenly becomes painful, cold, pale, numb or weak.
Sources: NHS, Peripheral arterial disease: diagnosis; NICE, Peripheral arterial disease: diagnosis and management (CG147); Aboyans V et al., Measurement and interpretation of the ankle-brachial index, Circulation 2012.
