Ankle- Brachial Index
Checking Blood Flow in Your Legs
An ABI test is a quick, painless test that checks how well blood is flowing through the arteries in your legs. It compares the blood pressure in your ankles to the blood pressure in your arms. No needles, no dye — just blood pressure cuffs and a small handheld device that uses sound waves to listen to your blood flow. The whole thing takes about 15–30 minutes right here at Gilbert Center for Family Medicine.
What to Expect
The test is performed in our office and is completely non-invasive — meaning nothing goes inside your body. Here is what to expect:
You will lie down on an exam table and relax for a few minutes.
Blood pressure cuffs (similar to the ones used on your arm) will be placed on both of your arms and both of your ankles.
A small handheld device called a Doppler ultrasound probe will be placed on the skin over the arteries in your ankles. It uses sound waves to detect blood flow — you may hear a whooshing sound.
Blood pressure readings will be taken at each location.
Your healthcare provider or care team will compare the readings to calculate your ABI number.
No preparation needed: You do not need to fast, stop any medications, or do anything special before this test. Wear comfortable, loose clothing so the cuffs can be placed easily.
Common Questions
Your healthcare provider may have ordered this test if you have leg pain when walking, risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, or if they noticed signs of poor circulation during your exam.
A normal score is 1.0 or above. A lower number may suggest your arteries are narrowed, which is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Your doctor will explain your specific result and what comes next.
Peripheral Vascular Disease is very common and very manageable. Lifestyle changes, medication, and exercise can make a real difference. Catching it early is a great first step.
ABI testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare, when ordered for a medical reason. If you have questions about your coverage, our billing team is happy to help.
Absolutely. There are no restrictions after this test — you can carry on with your day as normal.
We're here to walk you through it.
We know getting a new test can feel uncertain. We're here to walk you through it every step of the way.
Questions? Give us a call — we're happy to help.