VT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which duplex finding best distinguishes secondary varicose veins from primary varicose veins? → Deep venous obstruction or reflux causing superficial venous dilation
2. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of dvt & venous reflux assessment as it applies to Vascular Technician Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
3. A patient undergoing mesenteric artery duplex has a superior mesenteric artery (SMA) PSV of 310 cm/s. This suggests: → Hemodynamically significant SMA stenosis (≥70%)
4. What is the primary ethical obligation of a VT professional when a conflict of interest arises during transcranial doppler imaging activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
5. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in lower & upper extremity arterial to verify that VT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
6. During normal respiration, the augmentation of venous return to the right heart is caused by: → Decreased intrathoracic pressure on inspiration
7. Which artifact can cause a vessel to appear to contain echoes when it is truly anechoic, due to sound energy arriving from outside the main beam? → Side lobe artifact
8. Which practice supports patient dignity during vascular imaging? → Offering proper draping
9. Which toe pressure value is used as the threshold for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in diabetic patients? → <30 mmHg
10. How should a vascular technician respond if a patient feels faint during a procedure? → Lay the patient flat and monitor
11. The resistive index (RI) is calculated as: → (PSV - EDV) / PSV
12. Which of the following is NOT a branch of the aortic arch? → Right subclavian artery
13. A VT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing abdominal aorta & visceral vessels duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
14. What is the purpose of a pulse volume recording (PVR)? → Assess blood volume changes
15. At which anatomical junction does the small saphenous vein (SSV) typically terminate? → Saphenopopliteal junction in the popliteal fossa
16. Which anatomical structure forms the medial boundary of the femoral triangle? → Adductor longus muscle
17. What is the primary advantage of ultrasound dilution (transonic) over duplex Doppler for access flow monitoring? → It is more accurate and less operator-dependent for flow quantification
18. The thoracic duct drains lymph from all of the following EXCEPT: → Right upper extremity
19. At rest, approximately what percentage of total blood volume is contained in the venous system? → 65%
20. At the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), the GSV drains into which vessel? → Common femoral vein
21. Which spectral Doppler finding indicates a hemodynamically significant stenosis within the sample volume? → Spectral broadening with filling of the spectral window and elevated PSV
22. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in carotid & vertebral ultrasound to verify that VT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
23. The Nyquist limit in pulsed-wave Doppler is equal to: → One-half the pulse repetition frequency
24. Acoustic shadowing behind a calcified plaque is caused by: → High acoustic impedance mismatch and attenuation by calcium
25. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of carotid & vertebral ultrasound as it applies to Vascular Technician Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
26. When evaluating an aortoiliac stenosis using indirect methods, which segmental pressure test finding is MOST specific? → Bilateral thigh-to-brachial pressure gradient >20 mmHg
27. Which augmentation technique is recommended when assessing superficial venous reflux with the patient in the standing position? → Distal limb compression and rapid release
28. The peroneal (fibular) artery typically arises from which vessel? → Tibioperoneal trunk
29. In continuous-wave Doppler, which limitation does NOT apply? → Nyquist limit
30. When performing GSV mapping for CABG, which set of parameters must be documented along the vein course? → Diameter, continuity, compressibility, and marked skin location