US Medical Term · tests
Doppler Ultrasound
Ultrasonido Doppler
Also: Ecografía Doppler (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Doppler Ultrasound |
| Spanish (Español) | Ultrasonido Doppler |
| Chinese (中文) | 都普勒超音波 |
| Korean (한국어) | 도플러 초음파 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Siêu âm Doppler |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Doppler Ultrasound |
| Portuguese (Português) | Ultrassom Doppler |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อัลตราซาวด์ด็อปเปลอร์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | ドップラー超音波検査 |
What it means
A Doppler ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow through your blood vessels and heart. Unlike a regular ultrasound that shows organ structure, Doppler technology detects movement — specifically moving red blood cells — and translates that into color maps or waveforms on a screen. Gel is applied to your skin and a transducer is placed over the area to be examined. The test is painless and takes 30 to 60 minutes. It is used to check for blood clots in the legs, assess blood flow to the fetus during pregnancy, evaluate carotid artery disease, and monitor blood flow after surgery. No radiation is used. Results are available shortly after the test.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Can the Doppler ultrasound show if I have a blood clot in my leg?
¿El ultrasonido Doppler puede mostrar si tengo un coágulo de sangre en la pierna?
What is the difference between a regular ultrasound and a Doppler ultrasound?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un ultrasonido normal y un ultrasonido Doppler?
Will the Doppler ultrasound check blood flow in the baby during my pregnancy?
¿El ultrasonido Doppler revisará el flujo de sangre del bebé durante mi embarazo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026