Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) Testing at Lucknow Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Centre is a precise, noninvasive diagnostic service used to assess blood circulation in the lower limbs. ABI is a vital tool in detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a common but serious condition in diabetic patients that can lead to non-healing ulcers, gangrene, or even amputation if left untreated.

By measuring how well blood flows to your legs and feet, ABI testing enables our specialists to identify circulation problems early and create a treatment plan tailored to your vascular health.

Why ABI Matters for Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes increases the risk of vascular damage caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. This can result in narrowed, hardened, or blocked arteries—especially in the legs. Poor circulation impairs wound healing and increases the danger of diabetic foot ulcers becoming infected or chronic.

ABI testing helps our team:

- Detect reduced blood flow to the lower limbs
- Evaluate the severity of PAD
- Determine risk for foot ulcers and limb-threatening ischemia
- Decide whether further vascular imaging or circulation restoration is necessary
- Monitor vascular health in patients with diabetic neuropathy, where symptoms may be masked

What Is Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)?

The Ankle Brachial Index is a simple test that compares the blood pressure at your ankle to that at your arm (brachial artery). A lower ratio suggests poor blood flow and potential PAD.

How the Test Is Performed

- You lie down comfortably while blood pressure cuffs are placed on your arms and ankles.
- A Doppler ultrasound is used to listen to blood flow in your arteries.
- Systolic pressure readings are taken from each site.
- ABI is calculated by dividing the ankle pressure by the arm pressure.

This test is painless, takes about 10–15 minutes, and provides crucial insight into your vascular health.

Who Should Get ABI Testing?

- Diabetic patients with foot ulcers, slow-healing wounds, or skin discoloration
- Individuals experiencing numbness, tingling, or coldness in the feet
- People with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of smoking
- Patients being assessed for varicose veins, gangrene, or delayed healing from ingrown toenails
- Those with leg pain while walking (claudication)

Benefits of ABI Testing at Our Centre

- Early detection of impaired circulation
- Enables timely intervention and circulation-enhancing procedures
- Improves healing outcomes for wounds and regenerative treatments
- Complements other diagnostics like TBI and 3D foot scanning
- Supports better orthotic and footwear design by mapping pressure areas linked to poor circulation

A Critical Step Toward Saving Limbs

At Lucknow Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Centre, ABI testing is a cornerstone of our integrated approach to limb preservation. Early identification of vascular issues allows us to act before complications arise—helping to prevent ulcers, infections, and amputations.

If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms. Book your ABI test today and take the first step toward protecting your feet, mobility, and quality of life.