What is a pulse volume recording (PVR) study?
A PVR study (also called a vascular study or Doppler segmental pressure study) is a test to get information about blood flow in your arms and legs. The test is noninvasive, which means it does not use needles, dyes, radiation or anesthesia.
Blood pressure cuffs and a hand-held ultrasound device (called a Doppler or transducer) are used to get information about the location and extent of blockage in your peripheral arteries.
Types of PVRs
There are several types of PVRs, including:
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
The ABI is a measurement of the blood pressure in your lower leg compared to the blood pressure in your arm. Your doctor will compare the two numbers to determine your ABI. The blood pressure in your ankle and arm should be about equal. But if your ankle pressure is half your arm pressure (or lower), it could be a sign that the arteries in your leg are narrowed.
The blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arm and leg and inflated, and the Doppler is used to listen to the blood flow in your leg and arm. The ABI helps your doctor find arterial disease in the legs, but it does not show which arteries are blocked.
Exercise Testing PVR
During the exercise testing PVR, you walk on a treadmill to try to bring on the symptoms you’ve had. Then, blood pressure cuffs are placed on your arms, legs, thighs, ankles, calves and feet. The blood pressure is measured again to find the area where the artery is narrowed or blocked.
Thoracic Outlet Testing
During thoracic outlet testing, blood pressure cuffs are placed on your upper arms. You will sit in a chair and the technologist will move your arms in different positions and take your blood pressure in each position.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor ordered this test to measure the blood flow in your arms and legs. This test is used to check for peripheral arterial disease.
How long is the test?
The test takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete. Please arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete the registration process.
Before the test
- Do not bring valuables such as jewelry and credit cards.
- Do not smoke or take part in strenuous activities for 24 hours before the test.
- Take your medications as usual.
- Eat and drink as you normally do.
- You will change into a hospital gown for the test.
During the test
- A specially trained technologist will do the PVR study. A vascular medicine doctor will interpret the results.
- You will lie on a padded exam table during the test (except thoracic outlet testing). You may walk on a treadmill for part of the test, depending on the type of test you are having done.
- Several blood pressure cuffs are placed on various parts of your arms and legs, depending on the area being examined.
- A small amount of gel is applied to your The gel does not harm your skin or stain your clothes.
- The blood pressure cuffs are inflated and a small device called a transducer or Doppler is placed on your skin to record the blood flow information.
- The Doppler sends sound waves through the body tissue. These sound waves bounce off the blood moving through your blood vessels, which lets the doctor check the speed of your blood flow. The sound waves are recorded and displayed on a screen.
- The test is not painful, but you may have some mild discomfort while the blood pressure cuffs are inflated.
After the test
The gel will be wiped off your skin. There are no activity restrictions after the test. You may go home or to your other scheduled appointments after the test.
Are there any risks or side effects?
There are no harmful side effects. Noninvasive vascular testing does not use radiation, as X-ray tests do.
How will I get my test results?
A vascular medicine doctor will review the test results and send a report to your doctor.
