Non-invasive Assessment of PVD – ABI Clinic

An ankle brachial index (ABI) test is a non-invasive assessment that compares blood pressure measured at the ankle to blood pressure measured at the arm. It is used to detect peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and assess the severity of reduced blood flow to the legs.

Blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arms and ankles. Doppler ultrasound is used to detect blood flow at each location. The ABI is calculated by dividing the ankle pressure by the arm pressure. The test is painless, takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and requires no preparation.

A normal ABI is between 1.0 and 1.4. A reading below 0.9 suggests peripheral arterial disease. Values below 0.5 indicate severe disease. An elevated ABI above 1.4 may indicate calcified, non-compressible arteries and may require further assessment with toe pressure measurements.

ABI testing provides an objective measure of arterial blood flow to the legs and can detect PAD before symptoms become severe. It is also a useful marker of overall cardiovascular risk. Early identification of PAD allows for lifestyle modification, medical management, and timely intervention when needed.

A GP referral is generally required to access the ABI clinic and to be eligible for Medicare rebates. Your GP can refer you if they have concerns about peripheral arterial disease, or if you have risk factors such as diabetes, smoking history, or symptoms of leg pain with walking.