Transcranial Doppler Exam

Purpose of the Test

This ultrasound test is often used to evaluate and diagnose a small hole between the chambers of the heart.

Patient Instructions

Medicine

• Take prescribed medicines unless told not to by your doctor.

Clothing

• Wear normal street clothes.

The Test

• Once in the test room, you will lie down on a table or bed.
• We will start an intravenous (IV) line.
• We will place a probe on the side of your head in front of the ear. You may feel slight pressure when the probe is placed firmly against the skin.
• We will place several injections of sterile water into the IV while recording the blood flow in the cerebral arteries.
• When done we give the information to the doctor for review.
• The test takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

If you have any questions, please call CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center at 320-656-7020 or 800-448-3455.