Vascular (Blood Flow) Assessment

We provide comprehensive vascular assessments in West End to check blood flow to your feet and toes. Using hand-held Doppler to analyse pedal pulse waveforms and toe pressures testing to assess microvascular circulation, we help identify peripheral arterial disease (PAD) risk and your foot’s wound-healing potential.

Why Blood Flow Testing Matters?

Reduced blood flow can delay healing, increase infection risk and raise the chance of complications, especially in diabetes. Early detection allows timely referral and proactive care to keep you mobile and independent.

  • Annual screening for people with diabetes

  • Evaluation of cold, painful or pale feet

  • Assessment of non-healing ulcers or post-surgical wounds

  • Monitoring known peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

What We Test

Doppler assessment (macrovascular)

We place ultrasound gel over the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries and use a hand-held Doppler to listen to blood flow. We assess waveform quality (triphasic, biphasic, monophasic) and pulse strength on both feet.

Toe pressure (microvascular)

A small cuff is placed around the big toe (or second toe if required). A light sensor detects blood flow while the cuff inflates and deflates. This provides a toe systolic pressure (mmHg).

Toe pressure testing

How We Interpret Your Results

Doppler waveforms

  • Triphasic – typically indicates healthy arterial flow

  • Biphasic – may be normal for some adults; mild arterial change for others

  • Monophasic – suggests reduced arterial perfusion; further investigation is recommended

Toe pressures & TBI

  • Higher toe pressures and TBI closer to 1.0 generally indicate better perfusion

  • Lower values suggest reduced microvascular flow and higher risk of delayed healing

We explain your readings in plain language and coordinate referrals to your GP or a vascular specialist when needed.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Health history and risk review (diabetes, smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, pain with walking)

  1. Foot skin, temperature and capillary refill checks

  2. Doppler assessment of pedal pulses with waveform analysis

  3. Toe pressure (TBI) testing using a small cuff and sensor

  4. Clear explanation of results and next steps, plus a summary you can share with your GP

  5. Other care if required

Appointment length: 30–40 minutes. Painless and non-invasive.

How to Prepare

  • Wear clothing that allows access to your arms, lower legs and big toes

  • Bring referral if you have one

  • Bring a list of medications and any previous vascular results

  • People with diabetes (frequency based on risk status)

  • Non-healing wounds or ulcers

  • Cold, pale or painful feet; cramping when walking (claudication)

  • Colour changes in toes, hair loss on legs, thickened nails

  • History of cardiovascular disease or PAD risk factors

Who Benefits from A Vascular Assessment?

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