Vascular screening
Socorro Medical Clinic performs ankle-brachial index (ABI) exams, a non-invasive way to screen for peripheral artery disease (PAD) by comparing blood pressure in the ankles and arms. This exam is for patients with suspected PAD or those needing vascular assessment. We serve patients in Socorro, El Paso, Horizon City, and the surrounding area.
About this service
Know what the visit covers, who it is designed for, and how to arrive prepared.
A rest period, placement of blood-pressure cuffs on the arms and legs (and sometimes toes), and a Doppler probe to detect signals while the cuffs are inflated and deflated. Total time is often 10–30 minutes, with results available quickly.
Patients with suspected PAD — such as leg pain with walking, non-healing wounds, diabetes, or a smoking history — or anyone needing a vascular assessment.
Avoid nicotine and caffeine beforehand if instructed, and rest before the test. Cover any wounds and let staff know about prior vascular procedures or stents. Abnormal results may prompt further imaging beyond this screening.
Helpful answers
Common questions patients ask before scheduling this visit.
Still have a question? Call our team →The ankle-brachial index (ABI) exam is a non-invasive comparison of blood pressure in the ankles versus the arms, used to screen for peripheral artery disease (PAD). It may be paired with a related venous or arterial physiologic study when indicated.
Patients with suspected PAD — for example, leg pain with walking, non-healing wounds, diabetes, or a smoking history — or anyone who needs a vascular assessment.
After a rest period, blood-pressure cuffs are placed on your arms and legs (and sometimes toes), and a Doppler probe detects signals while the cuffs are inflated and deflated. You may feel brief pressure sensations similar to a regular blood pressure check.
Often 10–30 minutes total, with results available quickly.
Avoid nicotine and caffeine beforehand if instructed, and rest before the test. Any wounds may need to be covered, and you should tell staff about prior vascular procedures or stents.
No — an ABI exam is not a full duplex ultrasound. Abnormal results may prompt further imaging.
Usually covered by most insurance, though it may apply toward your deductible or coinsurance if you haven't met it yet for the year. Self-pay is $80.00.
Get started
Tell us a bit about what you need and our Socorro office will reach out.
Prefer to talk now? Call (915) 858-0500.