What Is Vein Screening?
The purpose of a vein screening with Brad is to determine if your spider veins, varicose veins, or leg symptoms are a sign of deeper problems with your veins that can’t necessarily be seen with a cursory exam.
A vein screening is a non-invasive ultrasound that can determine how a person’s veins are functioning in less than 10 minutes.
How Is Vein Screening Performed?
These are simple, non-invasive procedures with Brad
- First, we’ll discuss your medical history, any medications you’re taking, family history of varicose veins or venous insufficiency. We’re looking for factors that could increase your risk of developing vein disease.
- Second, Brad has you stand on a raised platform and he examines the veins on your legs. He’s looking for varicose veins or spider veins, along with other signs of venous insufficiency.
- Third, we use a simple ultrasound to evaluate the flow within your veins and determine if your valves are functioning correctly.
How Is Vein Screening Different From Vein Mapping?
It’s easy to confuse these two tests we perform at Southwest Vein & Leg Center. That’s because they are identical in the process, but they differ in their depth.
Vein screening is looking for signs of venous insufficiency through varicose veins and other issues with blood flow.
Vein mapping takes the prognosis of venous disease and then seeks to identify what veins need to be treated.
Vein mapping is a follow-up to a vein screening test that shows issues with possible venous insufficiency, and it provides more detailed information that is needed to create an individual treatment plan for you as itchy, creepy crawly, or pins and needles.
They are usually more prevalent at night when the person is either sitting or lying down. RLS can be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes your legs to twitch and kick while you sleep.
Is There Anything I Need to Do to Prepare for Vein Screening?
You want to avoid coffee and other caffeine sources before your test because they act as diuretics and this can negatively affect your vein screening.
We also want patients to drink at least 24 to 32 ounces of water before their appointment. You can wear loose-fitting shorts, or we can provide a pair for you to change into.
Is a Vein Screening Painful?
These are completely painless.
Do I Need to Plan for Recovery Time After My Vein Screening?
These are non-invasive screenings that don’t impact you in any way. As soon as Brad finishes your screening and discusses it with you, you can get right back to your normal activities.