Digital Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) as a Screening Tool in Detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease

"Perform Digital ABI:~* Will be performed by the nurse/medical assistant with training to perform this test~* The patient will be placed in the supine position, with the arms and legs at the same level as the heart, for a minimum of 5 minutes before measurement.~* The optical sensor (similar to a pulse oximeter) will be placed sequentially in the fingers of the hands and feet: Right and left hand fingers and then right and left feet toes.~* Usually each digit takes about 15 seconds to obtain a waveform~* At the end of 60 seconds, an automated digital ABI will be generated.~Clinical course: If based on Screening questionnaire and digital ABI, I. Patient is diagnosed with PAD- the referring physician and patient will receive a phone call about the same. He/ she will then be advised any further testing/ referral to IR clinic.~II. There is no evidence of PAD- no further action will be taken. The patient will be informed of the same."