RVT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield RVT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What are the main components of the RVT certification exam? → Physics and Vascular Technology
2. An RVT working as a clinical educator for a sonography program is fulfilling which career role? → Allied health faculty/instructor
3. Harmonic imaging in vascular ultrasound primarily reduces which artifact? → Near-field clutter and side-lobe artifacts
4. Which of the following best explains why vascular technology CME requirements emphasize advances in imaging technology? → Rapid technological evolution means competency must be continuously updated
5. Color Doppler aliasing during an abdominal duplex exam most commonly occurs because: → The Doppler shift frequency exceeds half the pulse repetition frequency (Nyquist limit)
6. Which arteriovenous fistula (AVF) feature on duplex is associated with the HIGHEST risk of access failure within 6 months? → Juxta-anastomotic stenosis with PSV ratio >3.0 and access flow <500 mL/min
7. Performing research studies evaluating a new vascular imaging protocol most closely aligns with which RVT career track? → Clinical research coordinator or scientist role
8. Which parameter, when increased, will reduce the maximum depth from which unambiguous pulsed Doppler signals can be obtained? → Pulse repetition frequency (PRF)
9. Based on Poiseuille's law, which of the following factors has the greatest influence on resistance to blood flow? → Vessel radius
10. Which connective tissue disorder is most strongly associated with annuloaortic ectasia and ascending aortic aneurysm? → Marfan syndrome
11. In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (vascular type), which vessel is at greatest risk for spontaneous rupture? → Medium-sized arteries such as the celiac, mesenteric, and renal arteries
12. Which acoustic window is used most commonly to insonate the middle cerebral artery (MCA) during a transcranial Doppler examination? → Transtemporal window
13. Which mapping procedure evaluated in the RVT exam is performed pre-operatively to identify usable conduit for bypass surgery? → Greater saphenous vein mapping
14. Which condition can produce a falsely HIGH ABI, potentially masking severe peripheral arterial disease? → Medial arterial calcification (Mönckeberg sclerosis)
15. Which topic is covered in the physics section of the RVT exam? → Doppler principles
16. When documenting an accreditation-required quality improvement (QI) project, which element is mandatory for ICAVL compliance? → Evidence of action taken based on findings and outcome reassessment
17. Which duplex finding is most consistent with impending rupture or rapid expansion of an AAA? → New periaortic hypoechoic halo or retroperitoneal fluid collection
18. Which type of vascular center typically offers RVTs the most exposure to complex venous insufficiency procedures such as endovenous ablation guidance? → Dedicated vein center or vein specialty practice
19. An RVT seeking to broaden career options in interventional settings should develop competency in which complementary skill? → Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and intraoperative monitoring
20. An RVT who moves to a different U.S. state — what must they do regarding their ARDMS credential? → Notify ARDMS of the address change; the credential remains valid nationally
21. Which factor most often determines whether an RVT earns a supervisory versus staff-level salary? → Years of experience combined with demonstrated leadership and management responsibilities
22. Carotid body tumors (paragangliomas) at the bifurcation characteristically displace which two vessels on duplex ultrasound? → ICA and ECA are splayed apart (lyre sign)
23. A popliteal artery aneurysm is found incidentally. Which complication is the most frequent cause of morbidity in popliteal aneurysms? → Distal embolization and acute limb ischemia
24. Which TCD waveform pattern is MOST consistent with severely elevated intracranial pressure? → Reversal of diastolic flow, producing a bidirectional or 'to-and-fro' pattern
25. The Nyquist limit in pulsed-wave Doppler is defined as: → Half the pulse repetition frequency (PRF)
26. What is the 'to-and-fro' waveform pattern seen on spectral Doppler at the neck of a pseudoaneurysm? → Forward flow in systole and retrograde flow in diastole as blood enters and exits the sac
27. What is the primary purpose of the Circle of Willis in the cerebrovascular system? → To provide a collateral pathway for cerebral perfusion
28. Which certification enhances career prospects for an RVT? → Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
29. Which vessel is most commonly responsible for a watershed infarct between the MCA and ACA territories? → Internal carotid artery stenosis
30. The hepatic artery normally demonstrates which type of Doppler waveform? → Low-resistance with continuous antegrade diastolic flow