Pocket Doppler and vascular laboratory equipment yield comparable results for ankle brachial index measurement.

Background: The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a well-established tool for screening and diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In this study we assessed the validity of ABI determination using a pocket Doppler device compared with automatic vascular laboratory measurement in patients suspected of PAD.

Methods: Consecutive patients with symptoms of PAD referred for ABI measurement between December 2006 and August 2007 were included.