Venous reflux mapping · Central London & St Albans

Private Varicose Vein Doppler Scan in London

A duplex ultrasound looks beneath visible varicose veins to assess how blood moves through the leg. It combines images of the veins with Doppler measurements of flow and valve function.

Choose one leg for £249 or both legs for £449. The assessment can help a vascular specialist understand the source of reflux before planning care.

  • No referral needed
  • No fasting
  • No radiation
  • Written report
New painful swelling?

A routine reflux scan is not the right pathway for a suspected acute clot. Read the urgent advice.

Vein health

Varicose Vein Ultrasound at a Glance

Key scan information
TechniqueDuplex ultrasound with venous reflux assessment
Price£249 one leg · £449 both legs
TimeApproximately 30–45 minutes per leg
PreparationNo fasting; expose the leg comfortably
ReportFindings on the day; written report normally within 24 hours
EligibilityAdults 18+; no GP referral required
Vein health

Choose One Leg or Both Legs

The right option depends on where your symptoms are and what your specialist needs assessed.

One Leg Doppler Scan

For symptoms affecting a single leg

£249

  • Duplex imaging and flow assessment
  • Valve function and reflux mapping
  • Written diagnostic findings
Book one leg · £249

Both Legs Doppler Scan

For symptoms affecting both legs

£449

  • Duplex imaging and flow assessment
  • Valve function and reflux mapping
  • Written diagnostic findings
Book both legs · £449

Diagnostic scan only. A treatment consultation or procedure carries a separate fee.

More than a visible vein

Why Have a Doppler Scan Before Varicose Vein Treatment?

A visible vein tells only part of the story. Duplex ultrasound adds information about blood flow and the veins beneath the skin, helping a vascular specialist understand the problem before discussing treatment.

Varicose veins can cause aching, itching and discomfort, although some people have few symptoms. Skin changes, bleeding or an ulcer need clinical assessment. The appearance of the leg alone cannot establish the extent of reflux or determine the best treatment for you.

Understand the source

The assessment looks for backwards blood flow and the vein segments involved, rather than judging only the size of a visible vein.

Support an informed choice

Your specialist can combine the scan with your symptoms and examination to explain the available options and their likely benefits and limitations.

Investigate recurrent veins

If symptoms have returned after treatment, bring your previous procedure details so the clinician knows what was treated and what needs reassessment.

NICE recommends duplex ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, assess the extent of truncal reflux and help plan treatment for suspected primary or recurrent varicose veins. Read NICE guidance CG168.

Know what you are booking

A Diagnostic Scan, with a Clear Next Step

This appointment is for ultrasound assessment. It does not include a varicose vein procedure or automatically commit you to treatment.

Your scan appointment

Book one leg for £249 or both legs for £449. Your appointment includes the Doppler assessment, an explanation of findings and a written diagnostic report.

Your specialist discussion

If further care is appropriate, share the report with your GP or vascular specialist. Ask your intended treating clinician whether they need a particular mapping protocol before you book.

Your treatment decision

A separate consultation considers your symptoms, medical history and preferences. NICE describes options including endothermal ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and surgery; suitability requires individual assessment.

Any consultation or procedure is arranged separately and has its own fee. If you already have a treatment appointment elsewhere, check which scan information that service requires.

Help us plan your visit

What to Tell Us Before Booking

A few details help the team arrange an appropriate appointment. Tell us which leg is affected, how long you have had symptoms, and whether you are booking for an initial assessment or follow-up after treatment.

  • Previous vein treatment: bring any operation, ablation or injection records and earlier scan reports.
  • A specialist request: share the referral letter or mapping instructions if you have them.
  • Mobility needs: let us know if standing or changing position is difficult.
  • New or rapidly changing symptoms: contact the clinic before selecting a routine appointment.
Sudden swelling or bleeding needs urgent advice.

Do not use a routine reflux appointment to delay assessment of a possible blood clot or bleeding varicose vein. Seek urgent medical help; call 999 for chest pain, severe breathlessness or collapse.

Ready to arrange a routine scan? Choose your option in the booking section below. If you are unsure which examination you need, call 020 7101 3377.

Vein health

Book Your Varicose Vein Scan

Choose your scan and appointment

Select one leg (£249) or both legs (£449), your preferred clinic and an available appointment.

Secure online booking

Book your scan

Choose a time that suits you — we search every eligible specialist and confirm your appointment instantly.

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  2. 2Your details
  3. 3Payment
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Vein health

What Can a Varicose Vein Doppler Scan Show?

Valve function

The clinician checks whether valves help blood return towards the heart or allow backwards flow.

Location of reflux

Mapping identifies the vein segments that may be contributing to visible veins or symptoms.

Superficial and deep veins

Findings are interpreted across the relevant venous pathways, rather than from appearance alone.

Previous treatment changes

Where relevant, the examination can investigate remaining or recurrent veins after treatment.

Vein size and connections

Measurements and anatomy help a specialist decide whether a procedure is appropriate.

Questions for your specialist

The report provides evidence for a clinical assessment; symptoms may also have other causes.

Vein health

When Is Vein Mapping Useful?

Bulging veins

Visible enlarged veins with discomfort or concerns before treatment.

Persistent heaviness

Leg aching or heaviness that may worsen during long periods standing.

Ankle skin changes

Pigmentation or eczema that needs assessment alongside the circulation.

Recurrent symptoms

Veins or symptoms returning after a previous intervention.

Treatment planning

A vascular clinician has requested a map before discussing a procedure.

Slow-healing leg wounds

An ulcer requires clinical review; mapping may form part of the assessment.

Vein health

Preparing for Your Appointment

You can usually eat and drink normally. No special dietary preparation is needed.

  • Wear loose trousers, a skirt or clothing that makes your leg accessible.
  • Bring earlier vein reports and any specialist referral letter.
  • Tell the team about previous blood clots, vein procedures and current medication.
  • Let us know if standing is difficult or you need mobility support.
  • Ask for instructions about compression stockings when booking.
Vein health

What Happens During the Scan?

Discuss your concerns

The clinician asks about your symptoms, medical history and the purpose of mapping.

Position the leg

You may stand or change position to help assess blood flow under gravity.

Examine the veins

Gel is applied and a handheld probe follows the veins. Gentle pressure or calf movement may be used.

Review the findings

The clinician explains the findings and a written report follows for your records.

Vein health

Understanding Your Results

The report describes the relevant anatomy and whether reflux was identified. An abnormal finding does not automatically mean you need an operation.

No significant reflux

Your clinician may consider other explanations for symptoms or whether further assessment is needed.

Superficial reflux

A vascular specialist can discuss the affected veins and suitable care or treatment options.

Deep vein findings

Deep venous abnormalities may require a more detailed vascular review.

Unexpected urgent concern

The team will explain when urgent assessment is needed rather than routine follow-up.

NICE recommends duplex ultrasound to confirm varicose veins, assess truncal reflux and support treatment planning. Decisions should reflect your symptoms, examination and preferences. Read NICE CG168.

Vein health

When to Get Urgent Help

Do not wait for a routine varicose vein appointment.

Seek urgent medical advice for sudden painful leg swelling, redness or warmth. Call 999 for chest pain, severe breathlessness or collapse. Bleeding from a varicose vein requires immediate medical assessment.

View the separate DVT Doppler scan service.

Find us

Varicose Vein Doppler Scan Near Me: Central London and St Albans

Vascular ultrasound appointments at both clinics, 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with same-day slots often available.

London Private Ultrasound clinic at 27 Welbeck Street, Harley Street Medical District

Central London: Harley Street Medical District

27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN

In the Harley Street medical district, with public transport links nearby.

020 7101 3377 · Get directions

London Private Ultrasound clinic, Victoria Street, St Albans

St Albans: Hertfordshire

54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ

A short walk from St Albans City station, with parking nearby. Serving Hertfordshire and North London.

020 7101 3377 · Get directions

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Vein health

Varicose Vein Doppler Scan: Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a private varicose vein scan in London?

One leg is £249 and both legs are £449. The fee includes the Doppler assessment and a written report; treatment is separate.

Should I choose one leg or both legs?

Choose one leg if symptoms are confined to that side. Both legs may be appropriate when both are affected or your treating specialist requests bilateral mapping. Call if you are unsure.

What is venous reflux?

Reflux means blood flows backwards through a vein when its valves do not close effectively. It can increase pressure in superficial veins and contribute to enlarged veins and skin symptoms.

Is this the same as a DVT scan?

The main purpose here is to assess longstanding vein problems and valve function. A suspected new blood clot needs an urgent DVT assessment. Tell the clinic about sudden symptoms before booking.

Do I need a referral?

You can arrange this private assessment without a GP referral. Bring any letter from your vein specialist so the examination can address their questions.

How should I prepare?

There is no fasting requirement. Wear clothes that allow access to the full leg and bring previous scan results. Ask the clinic whether to remove compression stockings before attending.

Will I need to stand?

Parts of reflux mapping are usually performed standing or with the leg lowered. Tell the team if standing is difficult; they can discuss positioning and support.

Does the examination hurt?

Gel and a probe are applied to your skin. The clinician may gently compress the leg or ask you to move. Let them know if an area is tender.

How long does it take?

Allow approximately 30–45 minutes per leg. The time needed depends on your anatomy, previous vein treatment and the extent of mapping.

When are results available?

The findings are discussed on the day, with a written report normally available within 24 hours. Ask about the delivery method when arranging your appointment.

Does the scan include varicose vein treatment?

No. This is a diagnostic appointment. Your report can support a separate consultation to discuss whether intervention is suitable.

Can it assess veins after previous treatment?

Yes, repeat mapping can help investigate recurrent symptoms or remaining veins. Bring details of any ablation, surgery, injections or previous thrombosis.

Can the report be shared with my surgeon?

You can share your written report with your GP or vascular specialist. If a surgeon needs a particular mapping protocol, contact the clinic before booking.

Does it use radiation?

No. Ultrasound uses sound waves, rather than ionising radiation.

Can I book for a child?

Online booking is for adults aged 18 and over. Contact the clinic to ask whether a younger patient can be assessed; suitability must be confirmed first.

When should I seek urgent help?

Sudden painful leg swelling requires urgent medical advice. Chest pain or breathlessness needs emergency help. Bleeding varicose veins also need urgent assessment; do not wait for a routine appointment.

This information explains the diagnostic service and does not replace individual medical advice. A scan alone cannot explain every cause of leg pain or swelling.

Editorial preparation8 October 2026
Clinical reviewRequired before publication
Review cycleSix months after clinical approval
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