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:

• Number of pregnancies and children
• History of endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, uterine leiomyomata, adenomyosis, malignancy, and uterine prolapse.
• History of lower extremity and/or genital/labial varicose veins
• Dysuria
• Hematuria
• Pain during menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Risk factors for lower extremity venous insufficiency, previous deep vein and/or superficial vein thrombosis (DVT/SVT)
• Family history of venous thrombosis
• History of previous C-section, pelvic surgery, vein surgeries or interventions (ex: sclerotherapy, venous ablation procedures, venous stripping, or vein harvesting)
• Iliac vein stenting for iliac vein compression (May-Thurner Syndrome)
• For male patients: varicocele, hematuria and left flank pain.
• Current medications and/or therapies
• Results of other relevant diagnostic procedures

Complete a limited or focused physical exam, including observation and localization of any signs or symptoms of venous disease:

• Swelling
• Palpable cord
• Varicosities
• Pain/tenderness
• Verify that the requested procedure correlates with the patient’s clinical presentation.