Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test
A noninvasive screening that compares blood pressure measured at the ankle to that at the arm to detect peripheral artery disease. A low ratio signals narrowed leg arteries; the simple, low-cost test is common in outpatient vascular and primary care clinics.
What is the Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test?
The Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a simple, noninvasive screening that compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured at the arm. The two values are expressed as a ratio, which clinicians use to assess blood flow in the legs.
A normal ratio indicates healthy circulation, while a low ratio suggests that the arteries supplying the legs are narrowed, a hallmark of peripheral artery disease.
Why is the ABI test used in outpatient clinics?
The ABI test is valued because it is quick, low-cost, and noninvasive, yet it can flag peripheral artery disease that might otherwise go undetected. Identifying narrowed leg arteries early supports timely management and can prompt evaluation for broader cardiovascular risk.
It is commonly performed in outpatient vascular and primary care clinics as part of screening and follow-up, fitting easily into routine visits and helping guide decisions about further testing or treatment.
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