Doppler ultrasound examination is an imaging technique that combines anatomical information with blood flow velocity derived using Doppler principles to generate a Doppler spectrum and color-Doppler coded mapping of tissue velocities superimposed on grey-scale images of tissue anatomy.

Doppler sonographic measurements may be used to determine the presence of flow, the direction of flow, detect flow disturbances and evaluate vascular resistance.

In this lesson, we will summarize the physical and technological principles of Doppler ultrasound in order to utilize Doppler modalities in an optimal manner.

Technical parameters of color-Doppler scanning, the Doppler probe angle determination and the choice of velocity scale are described.

Doppler imaging is of great value in assessing blood flow in many clinical conditions. Doppler measurements are technically more demanding for a number of reasons. The technique requires specific training.