A patient assessment should be completed before the evaluation is performed. This includes an assessment of the patient's ability to tolerate the procedure and an evaluation of any contraindications to the procedure. The sonographer or examiner should obtain a complete, pertinent history by interview of the patient or patient's representative and review of the patient's medical record, if available. A pertinent history includes:

• Previous cardiovascular surgeries
• Current medications or therapies
• Presence of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease
• Presence of symptoms for cerebrovascular disease
• Results of other relevant diagnostic procedures
• Review of prior examinations to ensure that the evaluation duplicates prior imaging and Doppler parameters.
• Verify that the requested procedure correlates with the patient's clinical presentation