Carotid Doppler Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A painless scan of the blood flow in the arteries on each side of your neck.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- See the steps below
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $150
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A carotid Doppler ultrasound is a scan of the carotid arteries, the two large blood vessels on each side of your neck that carry blood to your brain. It uses sound waves to show the artery walls and how blood flows through them. It uses no radiation and no needles, and usually needs no preparation.
"Doppler" is the part of the scan that measures blood flow. Your doctor or nurse practitioner orders it on a requisition and will go over the report with you.
Why your doctor might order it
- To check blood flow through the arteries in your neck
- To look for narrowing or blockage in the carotid arteries
- To follow up on a sound your doctor heard with a stethoscope, or on an earlier scan
How to prepare
- No preparation is needed. You can eat, drink and take your medication as usual.
- Wear a top with an open neck, and leave necklaces and earrings that hang low at home.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- You lie on your back with your head turned slightly to one side. The sonographer puts gel on your neck.
- A small probe moves along the side of your neck. You may hear a whooshing sound from the machine: that is the sound of the blood flow being measured.
- Both sides of the neck are usually checked. When it is done you wipe off the gel and carry on with your day.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists a carotid Doppler study at $150, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
Where to have it done
- 123 Edward Street 123 Edward Street, Suite 600, Toronto Book
- Eglinton Avenue East 150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301, Toronto Book
- Etobicoke 3170 Lake Shore Blvd West, Suite 101, Etobicoke Book
- Lawrence & Dufferin 960 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 203, North York Book
- Scarborough 1371 Neilson Road, Suite 309, Scarborough Book
- Woodbridge 4600 Highway 7 West, Unit LL30, Woodbridge Book
- Port Hope 249 Ontario Street, Suite 110, Port Hope Book
Common questions
What is a carotid Doppler ultrasound used for?
It checks the carotid arteries in your neck and how blood flows through them. Doctors use it to look for narrowing or blockage. Your doctor will explain why they ordered it and what the report means for you.
Do I need to prepare for a carotid ultrasound?
Usually not. You can eat and drink as usual. Wear a top with an open neck so the sonographer can reach both sides of your neck easily.
Does a carotid Doppler hurt?
No. The sonographer moves a small probe with gel along your neck, with light pressure. You may hear a whooshing sound, which is the machine measuring blood flow.
Is a carotid Doppler covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price for a carotid Doppler study is $150, as of October 2026.