Interpreting results safely
Treatment pathway
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test
A blood-pressure comparison test that can support assessment of circulation in the legs and feet.
Non-healing wounds, colour change, cold feet or leg pain on walking can indicate a circulation concern that needs clinical review.
Treatment overview
Care is shaped around the person, the diagnosis and the goal.
A blood-pressure comparison test that can support assessment of circulation in the legs and feet. ABI compares blood-pressure readings from the arm and ankle to help identify whether further circulation assessment may be needed. It is one part of a wider vascular assessment.
Treatment context
Who may benefit
A clear assessment helps identify the right pathway.
Non-healing wounds, colour change, cold feet or leg pain on walking can indicate a circulation concern that needs clinical review.
01What ABI can indicate
02Interpreting results safely
How the pathway works
Understand the care before it begins.
ABI compares blood-pressure readings from the arm and ankle to help identify whether further circulation assessment may be needed. It is one part of a wider vascular assessment.
What to expect
Treatment is reviewed as needs change.
Assess
Results must be interpreted by a clinician in context. Diabetes, calcified vessels and other factors can affect readings, so further testing or referral may be appropriate.
Plan
The clinician explains the next step in the context of your findings.
Provide care
The clinician explains the next step in the context of your findings.
Follow up
The clinician explains the next step in the context of your findings.
Treatment modules
Practical care, explained clearly.
Interpreting results safely: Results must be interpreted by a clinician in context. Diabetes, calcified vessels and other factors can affect readings, so further testing or referral may be appropriate.
Protect your feet between reviews.
Keep changes protected, avoid unadvised self-treatment and seek advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
The next step should be clear.
A timely assessment helps match care to the diagnosis, risk and practical needs of the person.
Common questions
When should I seek medical advice?+
A new wound, spreading redness, swelling, discharge, odour, colour change, or a hot, cold or painful foot should be assessed promptly. If you feel very unwell, seek urgent or emergency care.
How is the right pathway chosen?+
A clinician considers the diagnosis, symptoms, skin or wound, sensation, circulation, pressure, footwear, medical history and your goals before recommending next steps.
What should I bring to an appointment?+
Bring recent reports, a medication list, details or photographs of changes over time and your usual footwear when relevant.
Continue the care journey
The right next step depends on the clinical picture.
Explore the related pathways that may be discussed after assessment.
Make an appointment
Find the right next step for ankle-brachial index (abi) test.
Our team can help you understand what needs assessment and what information to bring. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an in-person review.
Specialist assessmentClear next stepsIndividual care planning
Dr. A. Nirupan Chakkaravarthy
Consultant Podiatrist · Limb Salvage Specialist
This guide is for general education and does not replace an in-person assessment.