Exams and Tests

Your health care professional will take a complete medical history and examine you.

He or she likely will order a special leg ultrasound called a venous reflux study. This test takes about 45-60 minutes to perform. It is usually done with the patient lying down with head tilted up or with the patient standing. A detailed test will attempt to rule out blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) and assess valve function. A blood pressure cuff may be placed around the leg.

Sometimes, more detailed testing is required, in particular if there is a history of blood clot. A CT scan may be recommended to look for venous blood flow obstruction that slows the upward flow of blood.