ABI & PVR Testing for Leg Circulation in Flemington, NJ
Universal Ultrasound Diagnostics provides noninvasive physiologic testing, including ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pulse volume recording (PVR) studies, in Flemington, New Jersey. These tests assess circulation in the legs and can help identify reduced blood flow associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
What are ABI and PVR?
What is an ABI?
The ankle-brachial index compares blood pressure measured at the ankle with blood pressure measured in the arm. It is commonly used as an initial noninvasive test for PAD.
What is PVR?
Pulse volume recording uses blood-pressure cuffs to evaluate changes in blood volume with each heartbeat at different levels of the legs. It helps assess patterns of arterial circulation and can complement ABI and duplex ultrasound.
Preparation
No special medical preparation or fasting is required. A few practical tips:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that easily rolls up or exposes your arms and legs — shorts or loose pants and a short-sleeved shirt work well.
- Avoid smoking or caffeine for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours beforehand, since both can affect blood pressure and vessel tone.
What happens during the test?
Blood-pressure cuffs are placed on the arms and legs. The technologist obtains pressure and waveform measurements at selected levels. Depending on the order, additional Doppler or exercise testing may be included.
Cuff placement
Blood-pressure cuffs are placed on your arms and at several levels on your legs.
Pressure & waveform readings
The technologist obtains pressure and waveform measurements at each selected level.
Additional testing, if ordered
Doppler or exercise testing may be added depending on your clinician's order.
Areas examined, timing & results
What areas are examined?
Pressures and waveforms are recorded at the arms and at multiple levels of the legs, following our accredited protocol and the exact study ordered by your clinician.
How long does the exam take?
Typically 45 minutes.
What happens after the test?
Reports are sent directly to your doctor quickly and securely.
Stat results are provided immediately, routine results within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABI the same as an arterial ultrasound?
No. ABI is a physiologic pressure comparison; arterial duplex creates images and Doppler measurements along the arteries. They are complementary tests.
Does ABI/PVR hurt?
The cuffs inflate firmly, similar to a blood-pressure measurement, and may feel tight for a short time.
Why is ABI ordered?
It can help evaluate symptoms or risk factors for peripheral artery disease and quantify lower-extremity circulation.
Do I need special preparation?
No special medical preparation or fasting is required for an ABI/PVR.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that easily rolls up or exposes your arms and legs — shorts or loose pants and a short-sleeved shirt.
- Avoid smoking or caffeine for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours prior, as nicotine and caffeine can affect blood pressure and vessel tone.
How long does it take?
Typically 45 minutes.
Do I need an order?
Policy varies by insurance-billed versus self-pay testing: you don't need a physician order if you're self-pay testing, you'll need an order if you go through insurance, with appropriate CPT code and symptomatology ICD 10 code
Schedule ABI / PVR Testing
Schedule online or call/text our Flemington office.