What is duplex ultrasound used for in vascular evaluation?

• A. Combines B-mode imaging with Doppler to assess vessel anatomy and blood flow; used for DVT, carotid disease, and aneurysms
• B. Measures bone mineral density
• C. Evaluates lung perfusion only
• D. Provides tissue biopsies

Answer: (A)

Duplex ultrasound blends anatomy and flow to evaluate vessels. It combines B-mode grayscale imaging, which shows the vessel walls, lumen, and surrounding structures, with Doppler, which measures the speed and direction of blood flow. This lets you see where a vessel may be narrowed, occluded, or have a thrombus, while at the same time assessing how blood is moving through it. That makes it especially useful for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis, carotid artery disease, and aneurysms in a single, noninvasive test. It provides real-time hemodynamic information without radiation, and is commonly used at the bedside or in the clinic. Other options refer to tests that measure bone density, lung perfusion, or tissue sampling, which don’t evaluate vessel anatomy and flow in the same integrated way.