Doppler
Flow Studies
What is a Doppler flow study?Doppler flow is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to
measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel. Waveforms of the blood
flow are shown on the ultrasound screen. Doppler flow studies may be
used to assess blood flow in the umbilical blood vein and arteries, fetal
brain, and fetal heart. Doppler flow is sometimes called Doppler velocimetry.
A Doppler flow study is often used when a fetus has
intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which means the fetus is smaller
than normal for his/her gestational age. The waveforms may show that blood flow in the umbilical
vessels of a fetus with IUGR is decreased, indicating that the fetus may
not be receiving enough blood, nutrients, and oxygen from the placenta.
How is a Doppler flow study
performed?
A specially trained physician performs this test using a specialized
ultrasound machine. The ultrasound transducer is placed
on the mother's abdomen using a gel to help conduct the sound waves.
The test takes several minutes to assess the flow in each blood vessel
being tested. The test does not harm the fetus.
If the test shows a decreased amount of blood flow,
other testing may be needed.
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
High-Risk Pregnancy (Pediatrics)
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