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 finding on vertebral artery duplex most reliably indicates hemodynamically significant proximal vertebral artery stenosis? → Focal PSV elevation at the vertebral artery origin with post-stenotic turbulence
2. A patient with bilateral absent TCD signals but confirmed bone windows has findings most consistent with: → Brain death or critically elevated ICP
3. Which transducer type is preferred for imaging deep abdominal vessels such as the aorta? → Curvilinear low-frequency (2–5 MHz)
4. Which physiological condition can cause a falsely LOW ankle-brachial index unrelated to arterial occlusive disease? → High cardiac output state elevating brachial pressure
5. Which duplex parameter is used to calculate the resistive index (RI) in renal artery assessment? → (PSV − EDV) / PSV
6. What is the correct technique for transferring a non-ambulatory patient from a wheelchair to the ultrasound exam table? → Use a proper two-person lift or a patient transfer device
7. A patient becomes syncopal during a carotid duplex exam while supine. What is the immediate priority intervention? → Place the patient in Trendelenburg position and call for help
8. The normal depth range for insonating the MCA M1 segment via the transtemporal window is approximately: → 35–60 mm
9. Which duplex finding best distinguishes secondary varicose veins from primary varicose veins? → Deep venous obstruction or reflux causing superficial venous dilation
10. 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
11. TCD cerebrovascular reactivity testing with acetazolamide challenges cerebrovascular reserve by: → Mimicking hypercapnia to induce vasodilation
12. Which ABI value best represents borderline or mild PAD according to standard ACC/AHA guidelines? → 0.70–0.90
13. During intraoperative TCD monitoring for carotid endarterectomy, a sudden drop in MCA velocity >50% most likely indicates: → Cerebral ischemia from inadequate collateral flow
14. A D-dimer level is ordered prior to duplex ultrasound for DVT. A negative D-dimer result in a low-pretest-probability patient: → Effectively rules out DVT and may preclude imaging
15. A patient undergoing mesenteric artery duplex has a superior mesenteric artery (SMA) PSV of 310 cm/s. This suggests: → Hemodynamically significant SMA stenosis (≥70%)
16. What is the clinical significance of a 'staccato' or 'to-and-fro' waveform pattern observed in the common femoral artery? → Significant aortoiliac inflow disease causing turbulence
17. What is the normal peak systolic velocity range for the common carotid artery in adults? → 60-100 cm/s
18. 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
19. Which infection control measure is most effective in preventing healthcare-associated infections between vascular ultrasound patients? → Cleaning the transducer with an approved disinfectant between patients
20. Which parameter is used to assess the severity of renovascular hypertension using the intra-renal Doppler waveform? → Acceleration time (AT) and acceleration index (AI)
21. 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
22. A hypoechoic, homogeneous plaque in the ICA is best described as: → Soft or lipid-rich plaque associated with higher embolic risk
23. A TCD study shows MCA mean velocity of 220 cm/s with a Lindegaard ratio of 2.5. This most likely represents: → Hyperemia
24. During normal respiration, the augmentation of venous return to the right heart is caused by: → Decreased intrathoracic pressure on inspiration
25. The Joint Commission's Universal Protocol requires a 'time out' before invasive vascular procedures. Which element is NOT part of the time out? → Review of the patient's insurance information
26. What is the most common anatomic site of stenosis in a brachiocephalic AVF? → Cephalic arch (jugulocephalic junction)
27. Which collateral pathway most commonly provides reconstitution of SMA flow when the proximal SMA is occluded? → Arc of Riolan via the IMA
28. Which duplex criterion is used to classify a native lower extremity arterial stenosis as greater than 50% diameter reduction? → PSV ratio (stenotic/prestenotic) ≥2.0 with spectral broadening
29. 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
30. When scanning the vertebral artery, which insonation window is typically used to visualize the V2 segment? → Between the transverse processes of C2-C6