Vascular Screening in Singapore

Vascular screening looks for selected blood-vessel problems before symptoms develop. At Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery, our vascular lab also provides ultrasound scans to investigate symptoms and monitor known artery, vein and dialysis-access conditions. Dr Andrew Choong helps you understand which examination is appropriate and what the result means for your care.

Services include abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, carotid duplex and carotid intima-media thickness measurements, DVT scans, arterial duplex, venous reflux studies, and arteriovenous fistula and graft scans. Each examination answers a different question. Discuss a screening or scan appointment at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore.

Choosing the Right Assessment

• Screening: checking for a particular condition in someone without symptoms when their risk profile makes testing worthwhile.
• Diagnostic scanning: investigating symptoms such as leg swelling, walking pain or a poorly healing wound.
• Surveillance: following an existing aneurysm, narrowed artery, previous vascular repair or dialysis access.

Your age, symptoms, smoking history, diabetes, blood pressure, family history and previous results help guide the discussion. A useful assessment starts with the question the scan needs to answer. Having every available scan is not necessarily beneficial, and a normal result cannot rule out every vascular condition.

Screening and Scans Available

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

An abdominal ultrasound measures the aorta for enlargement, known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA. An aneurysm can be present without pain. Screening is particularly relevant to selected older adults, especially men with a history of smoking, and people with a close relative who has an AAA. The decision also considers age, general health and whether finding an aneurysm would change care.

If an aneurysm is found, its size and other features guide follow-up and any treatment discussion. A scan of the abdominal aorta does not examine the whole chest aorta or exclude an acute aortic dissection. Explore aortic aneurysm and dissection care.

Carotid Duplex Scans

Carotid duplex examines the arteries in the neck for plaque, narrowing and changes in blood flow. It can help assess a suspected carotid problem or monitor known disease. Routine carotid screening is not recommended for the general population; the reason for an examination should be considered individually. A carotid scan cannot identify every cause of stroke.

Read about carotid artery disease and its treatment options. Sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty or loss of vision needs emergency assessment, even if it resolves.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Measurements

Carotid intima-media thickness, or CIMT, measures the thickness of two layers of the carotid artery wall. Our lab offers this measurement when clinically requested. It is different from measuring the degree of narrowing in an artery. CIMT is not recommended as a routine test for everyone's cardiovascular risk, and does not replace assessment of blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and family history.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Scans

A DVT ultrasound checks the deep veins for a blood clot. New one-sided leg swelling, pain or tenderness needs prompt medical assessment so the right diagnostic pathway can be arranged. This is a symptom-led investigation, not a routine wellness scan for everyone. Depending on the assessment and initial result, blood tests or repeat imaging may be needed.

Learn about DVT symptoms and diagnosis.

Arterial Duplex and Leg Circulation

Arterial duplex examines blood flow and can help locate narrowed or blocked arteries. It may be requested for walking pain, rest pain, a foot wound that is slow to heal, or follow-up after an arterial procedure. Ankle or toe-pressure tests may provide complementary information. The findings help plan care for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and circulation problems affecting wound healing.

Venous Reflux Scans

A reflux study checks whether vein valves allow blood to flow backwards and maps the affected veins. It helps assess varicose veins, persistent swelling and chronic venous disease or venous ulcers. A reflux scan answers a different question from a DVT scan. Accurate vein mapping helps guide a treatment plan suited to the underlying problem.

Arteriovenous Fistula and Graft Scans

Ultrasound can help assess blood flow, narrowing and development of an arteriovenous fistula or graft used for haemodialysis. Scans are considered alongside examination and dialysis performance, especially when needling becomes difficult, bleeding lasts longer or the usual vibration changes. Findings alone do not automatically mean a procedure is needed.

Read about dialysis-access care and planning a fistula or graft.

Our Vascular Lab

Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images and assess blood flow. Standard external duplex examinations use no ionising radiation and usually require no injected contrast. A probe is moved over gel on the skin; the position and measurements depend on the vessels being examined.

The laboratory findings are interpreted with your symptoms, medical history and examination. Some questions require CT, MRI, repeat ultrasound or another investigation. Our vascular ultrasound guide explains the techniques, preparation and limitations in more detail.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Bring any referral, previous scan reports or images, a medication list and relevant hospital or operation summaries. Mention a family history of aneurysm or early vascular disease. For dialysis-access concerns, bring recent dialysis information if available.

Ask about preparation when booking. Some abdominal scans require fasting; do not change medicines or fast without the instructions for your examination. See what records to bring and payment and insurance information. The clinic can explain consultation and scan charges before you proceed.

Watch Dr Choong Explain Vascular Scans

• Aortic Aneurysm Screening and Surveillance: how checking the abdominal aorta differs from following a known aneurysm.
• What Is a Duplex Ultrasound?: how ultrasound helps assess blood vessels and blood flow.
• Varicose Veins: Scan First, Treatment Second: why a vein scan helps guide an individual treatment plan.
• Leg Swelling: Ultrasound and DVT Warning Signs: when swelling needs assessment for a possible clot.
• Dialysis Fistula Problems: changes in dialysis access that should prompt review.

Common Questions

Do I need vascular screening if I feel well?

Possibly, depending on the condition being considered and your risk factors. Targeted AAA screening has an established role in selected groups. That does not mean everyone needs scans of all their arteries and veins. A consultation can help decide whether testing is likely to change your care.

Does an abnormal scan mean I need surgery?

No. The next step may be risk-factor treatment, medicines, monitoring, further tests or a procedure. Dr Choong will explain the finding, the available options and the reasons for a recommendation.

Can I book if I already have a scan report?

Yes. Contact the clinic to arrange a review and bring the report and images if available. Existing results may help avoid unnecessary duplication and allow comparison over time.

When to Seek Urgent Help

New one-sided leg swelling and pain needs prompt assessment. Call 995 in Singapore for sudden breathlessness or chest pain, stroke symptoms, collapse, sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, or a suddenly cold, painful and weak limb. Do not wait for a screening appointment or a reply to a message when emergency symptoms occur.

Arrange a Vascular Assessment in Singapore

Dr Andrew Choong is a consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon. Discuss screening, symptoms or an existing result at Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road, #09-22, Singapore 329563.

WhatsApp Dr Choong on +65 9027 8636 or call the Clinic Team on +65 9376 8688. You can also view contact details and directions. For an enquiry, tell us the reason for the scan or review so the appropriate appointment can be arranged.