ABI (Ankle Brachial Index)
A simple pressure test that compares blood flow in your ankle and arm to detect PAD, in India.
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test in India is a simple, painless test that compares the blood pressure at your ankle with the pressure in your arm to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD), reduced leg circulation that stops diabetic foot wounds from healing. At Elegance Diabetic Foot & Ulcer Clinic (EDFC) it is performed by Dr. Ashutosh Shah and our team in Surat, Gujarat and Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh.
Why the ABI Test Matters
PAD is common in diabetes and often has no symptoms until a wound refuses to heal. The ABI gives a simple number that flags reduced circulation early. The IWGDF 2023 guidelines include the ABI among the recommended bedside tests for assessing blood flow in the diabetic foot.
How the ABI Test Is Done
- Blood pressure cuffs are placed on both arms and both ankles.
- A Doppler probe measures the systolic pressure at each point.
- The ankle pressure is divided by the arm pressure to give the ABI ratio.
- A ratio of 0.9 to 1.3 is generally normal; below 0.9 suggests PAD.
- The test is painless and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
In some diabetics the leg arteries are stiff and calcified, which can make the ABI falsely high. When that is suspected, we add a toe pressure measurement, which is more reliable.
Who Should Get an ABI Test
- People with a diabetic foot ulcer or non-healing wound.
- Anyone with leg pain on walking, or cold, weak-pulsed feet.
- Those being screened for peripheral artery disease.
- Patients whose audio Doppler examination was abnormal.
Why Choose EDFC and Dr. Ashutosh Shah
As India’s first dedicated diabetic foot-care chain, EDFC interprets the ABI in the context of diabetes, where the number alone can mislead. Your result is read within a complete vascular assessment and matched with other tests, so circulation problems are neither missed nor overstated.
What Happens After the Test
A normal ABI supports safe wound healing and prevention. A low ABI leads to further imaging and, where needed, referral to restore blood flow through our vascular services, protecting the foot from an avoidable amputation.
Book Your ABI Test
Get a clear number on your leg circulation. Message us on WhatsApp (+91 83205 00350) or book a consultation with Dr. Shah in Surat or Vizianagaram.
This page is educational and does not replace an in-person diagnosis. Please have any non-healing wound or circulation symptom assessed by a qualified specialist.