A patient assessment must be performed before the exam. 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 their representative and a review the patient’s medical record, when available.

A pertinent history includes:

• Presence or signs of peripheral vascular disease
• Cervical, abdominal or lower extremity bruit
• Abdominal pain after eating
• Weight loss
• Current medical status, especially regarding arterial disease
• Relevant risk factors for vascular disease
• Any information regarding previous studies for comparison and to document any changes.
• Previous interventions or surgery and surgical notes
• History of other related diseases, such as fibromuscular dysplasia
• Current medications or therapies
• Results of other recent imaging studies and/or prior examination