Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) Screening Exam

Patient Instructions

  • Be prepared to stay for 30-45 minutes. The time of your arrival is not the time for your procedure. Arriving earlier does not ensure a shorter wait. The prep time is 15-20 minutes.
  • You may eat and drink as usual. Follow your physician's instructions on what medications to take.
  • Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking including insulin, vitamins and herbal preparations.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • You may wear your eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures.
  • Please DO NOT bring small children.

What happens during the 
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) screening exam?

Please check in with the registration staff. After the registration process is finished a risk and prevention staff member will take you back to get prepared for the procedure. The typical prep includes a vascular risk assessment with questions about your medical history. After your interview is complete, a vascular technologist will help you on to an exam table. The room will feel cool since the temperature is kept low for the equipment. Once you're on the table, you will be covered with a blanket. The vascular technologist will take the blood pressure in both of your ankles and both of your arms using an ordinary blood pressure cuff. The technologist will also use a small ultrasound transducer and ultrasound gel to make images of your leg arteries. You may feel some gentle pressure as the images are taken. The typical exam takes about 20 minutes.

What about the results of my 
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) screening exam?

When the procedure is finished, you will be free to leave. The exam will be reviewed and interpreted by a physician. A signed final report will be mailed to you within a week of your exam. You are encouraged to share the information from the screening with your primary care physician.

We hope this information has given you an understanding of what to expect. For more information, please call your physician's office. Thank you for choosing Piedmont Augusta. We strive to give excellent service and hope we meet your expectations. Please let us know what we can do for you.