2. An ultrasound test of your heart and blood vessels where an ultrasound machine will use sound waves to create images that allow the main blood vessels in your neck to be examined. You will be lying down for the procedure, and a colorless gel will be applied to the side of your neck where the handheld probe (called a transducer) will be placed. The transducer will then be gently moved over each side of your neck. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes.