An extracranial carotid duplex ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive scan of the major blood vessels in your neck (the extracranial carotid arteries). The scan uses high‑frequency sound waves to assess blood flow and detect any narrowing or plaque build‑up. It involves no radiation.
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PLEASE BE ADVISED: We have both male and female physiologists. If you have particular preferences as to who performs your scan please contact us beforehand.
Why consider a Carotid Ultrasound?
A private carotid ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to check blood flow through the carotid arteries - a pair of blood vessels on each side of the neck which deliver blood from the heart to the brain. You may self-refer for a concern below or purely for peace of mind.
​UK guidance does not routinely recommend asymptomatic screening in the NHS. However, in a private self‑referral setting, many people choose to proceed as part of their own health awareness and monitoring. We will ensure informed decision‑making at all stages.
​IMPORTANT: This is a screening test, it does not replace medical assessment. Sudden symptoms like weakness, speech difficulty, or vision loss require urgent medical attention.
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Quality and Governance
All scans are performed using high‑resolution ultrasound equipment. We follow recognised UK guidelines for carotid duplex imaging. Our reporting standards follow national best‑practice recommendations. Results are typically available within 4 working days.
​IMPORTANT: This is a screening test, it does not replace medical assessment. Sudden symptoms like weakness, speech difficulty, or vision loss require urgent medical attention.
On the day
When you arrive at Your Heart Scan, located inside the Clubhouse at Branston Golf & Country Club, you will be welcomed into the clinic room by your Advanced Clinical Physiologist, who will confirm your details and will talk you through the scan.
No special preparations are needed for your private Carotid Ultrasound. However we ask you to avoid wearing high‑neck clothing or jewellery that may obstruct the area around the neck.
You will lie comfortably on a couch with your neck exposed (your privacy is always maintained). A small amount of gel is applied to your neck. It feels cold and sticky but is otherwise harmless. ​The physiologist will move the probe to examine the common, internal, and external carotid arteries. The probe gives off pulses of high-frequency sound waves which are inaudible to the human ear and measure blood flow and velocity according to UK best‑practice guidelines. The scan takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Your results
After your scan, typically within 4 working days, you will receive a detailed, easy‑to‑understand report, from your Advanced Clinical Physiologist. If you choose, a copy will also be sent to your GP.
If any significant abnormality or narrowing is found, we will advise you on the most appropriate next steps.​
Optional
Referral to a Private Vascular Surgeon
If you would like to see a Private Vascular Surgeon for further review or management, we can provide details of a specialist working at Nuffield Health who accepts both self-pay patients and private medical insurance.
Simply ask a member of our team or call us, and we will be happy to provide all the information you need.
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