Hepatic Vein Doppler Ultrasound — Maximum Velocity and Diameter (Supine, Expiration)
Doppler ultrasound measures blood-flow speed and width in the hepatic veins while you lie on your back and breathe out.
["This imaging test evaluates hepatic vein blood flow and may help investigate abnormal liver blood flow or portal hypertension."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29480-1
- Short code
- Hep v Vmax dias exp DOP
- Synonyms
- Hep v Vmax dias exp DOP
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-doppler
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a Doppler ultrasound examination of the hepatic veins, which carry blood from the liver back to the heart. It measures the vein's maximum blood-flow velocity, or Vmax, and its diameter while you are lying on your back and breathing out.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to evaluate abnormal liver blood flow, portal hypertension, liver disease, or congestion of the venous system. It can also help assess the liver's blood supply in certain clinical situations.
How is the test performed?
A ultrasound technologist places a probe over the right upper abdomen and uses sound waves to image the hepatic veins. Doppler mode measures the direction and speed of blood flow, while the vein's width is measured in the specified position and breathing phase.
How do I prepare for the test?
Wear comfortable clothing that exposes the right side of your abdomen. Follow the imaging center's instructions about fasting, because food and liquids can affect abdominal blood flow; the technologist may ask you to lie flat and breathe out during the measurements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may indicate impaired blood flow through the hepatic veins, increased pressure in the portal venous system, or congestion related to heart or liver disease. Changes in vein diameter or flow pattern can have several causes, so results should be interpreted with the rest of the liver imaging and clinical evaluation. A single abnormal measurement may reflect breathing or positioning and may need to be repeated.
Short name
Hepatic vein Doppler
Frequently asked questions
Does this test involve a blood draw?
Why is the measurement taken during expiration?
Can this test diagnose portal hypertension by itself?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy