Private DVT Doppler Ultrasound Scan in London

A DVT Doppler Ultrasound Scan, also called a venous duplex ultrasound, uses ultrasound and Doppler flow assessment to look for blood clots in the deep veins of the leg or arm. It is non-invasive, radiation-free and does not require injections.

At London Private Ultrasound, a DVT Doppler Ultrasound Scan costs £249 for one limb and £449 for both limbs. The fee includes the scan, same-day verbal findings and a written report.

No GP referral is required. You can self-refer and book directly online or call our team if symptoms are urgent or you are unsure whether you need one limb or both limbs scanned.

You should arrange urgent assessment if you have one-sided calf or thigh pain, swelling, warmth, redness, tenderness, heaviness, recent surgery, recent long-haul travel, immobility, pregnancy or postpartum clotting risk, cancer history or previous DVT.

Common symptoms include swelling in one leg or arm, calf pain, thigh pain, warmth, redness, visible vein prominence, tenderness along the vein, heaviness or symptoms that worsen after immobility.

If you have chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood, collapse, severe dizziness, or symptoms suggesting pulmonary embolism, call 999 or attend emergency care immediately. A private ultrasound appointment should not delay emergency treatment.

Yes. DVT can occur in the upper limb, although it is less common than leg DVT. It may be associated with swelling, pain, venous lines, pacemaker wires, thrombophilia, cancer history or recent trauma. The correct scan pathway depends on your symptoms.

A one-limb scan assesses one symptomatic arm or leg. A both-limbs scan assesses both legs or both arms and is useful when symptoms are bilateral, risk is high, or your clinician has asked for a bilateral venous assessment.

The scan commonly assesses the common femoral, femoral, profunda femoris, popliteal, posterior tibial, peroneal and calf veins, with superficial venous structures reviewed where relevant to symptoms and clinical history.

Yes. A detailed DVT Doppler scan can assess calf veins where technically possible. Calf-vein assessment can be more challenging in some patients, for example with swelling, body habitus or limited mobility.

Yes. Although the priority is to exclude deep vein thrombosis, the ultrasound may also identify superficial thrombophlebitis, varicose vein clot, Baker’s cyst, haematoma or other causes of swelling where visible.

No. The scan is usually painless. The sonographer places ultrasound gel on the skin and uses gentle probe pressure to assess whether the veins compress normally and whether blood flow is present.

No special preparation is required. Wear loose clothing that can be moved above the area being scanned. You may be asked to remove socks, tights or trousers depending on the limb being assessed.

A one-limb DVT scan usually takes around 20–30 minutes. A both-limbs scan may take longer depending on symptoms, anatomy, mobility and how much venous mapping is needed.

Yes. Your sonographer explains the key findings verbally after the scan. A written report is provided urgently or within 24 hours, suitable for sharing with your GP, A&E, anticoagulation clinic or specialist.

If DVT is identified, you will be advised to seek urgent medical treatment. We can provide an urgent report or referral letter to support appropriate NHS or private follow-up, but anticoagulation treatment is arranged by a doctor or emergency service.

A normal scan can be reassuring, but travel advice depends on your symptoms, risk factors and medical history. If DVT is confirmed, flying may be unsafe until you have been assessed and treated by a clinician.

No. A limb Doppler ultrasound checks veins in the limb; it does not image the lungs. If pulmonary embolism is suspected, urgent hospital assessment and specialist imaging may be required.

Yes, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation and is commonly used to assess suspected DVT during pregnancy or after delivery. Any confirmed or strongly suspected clotting concern should be managed urgently by an appropriate medical team.

Yes, but please tell the sonographer what medication you are taking and when it was started. Blood thinners can change clot appearance and follow-up decisions.

Yes. Ultrasound may identify chronic clot, scarring, vein wall thickening, residual obstruction or post-thrombotic changes, although interpretation depends on your previous history and any earlier scan reports.

Bring any previous scan reports, discharge summaries, medication list, anticoagulant information, recent blood test results if relevant, and details of recent surgery, flights or hospital stays.

Sometimes. If no DVT is present, the scan may still show other visible causes such as a Baker’s cyst, haematoma, superficial thrombophlebitis or significant venous changes. Some causes of swelling require blood tests, clinical examination or different imaging.

Yes. Some patients prefer a bilateral scan for reassurance, and it may be appropriate if there are risk factors or symptoms on both sides. Our team can help you choose the most suitable option.

Relevant ultrasound images are stored and can be provided digitally with the written report where clinically appropriate.