Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) Testing With Our New Smart ABI Machine
What Is an ABPI and Why Is It Important?
The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is a simple, painless and highly effective test used to assess the blood flow to your legs and feet. It compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm.
A healthy ABPI result indicates good circulation. Abnormal results can be an early sign that the arteries in your legs have become narrowed or blocked—a condition known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
PAD often develops slowly and may show no symptoms until it becomes more advanced. Early detection is key to reducing the risk of complications.
What Conditions Can an ABPI Help Detect?
ABPI testing is used to help identify or monitor:
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
A low ABPI result can indicate reduced arterial blood flow caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. PAD is associated with:
• Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
• Poor wound healing
• Increased risk of foot ulcers
• Increased risk of amputation if left untreated
Diabetic Foot Complications
People living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing circulation problems. Regular ABI screening can detect early arterial changes before symptoms appear.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Abnormal ABPI results are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It is therefore an important marker for your overall cardiovascular health.
Assessment Before Foot or Ankle Treatments
Adequate blood flow is essential for safe treatment of corns, calluses, nail surgery, wound care, and ulcer management. ABPI helps determine if it is safe to perform certain procedures, and whether referral is needed.
Introducing Our New Mesi Medical Smart ABI System
We are proud to offer state-of-the-art blood flow assessment using the Mesi mTABLET ABI, a next-generation diagnostic tool that provides fast, accurate and consistent ABPI measurements.
How the Smart ABI System Works
The Mesi Smart ABI machine uses automated cuffs placed on the arms and ankles. Instead of manually measuring pressures with a Doppler probe (which can be time-consuming and operator-dependent), the Smart ABI:
• Uses advanced oscillometric technology
• Conducts measurements simultaneously on both legs
• Provides highly repeatable results in just a few minutes
• Gives a clear, digital PDF report instantly
This ensures greater accuracy and reliability, particularly for patients who may find Doppler assessments difficult.
What Results Does the Smart ABI Provide?
The machine produces a detailed vascular assessment including:
• ABI score for each limb
• Pulse waveforms showing arterial quality
• Toe pressure indices (if toe cuffs are used)
• Colour-coded risk categories
• Printable or sendable GP-ready reports
These results are easy for both clinicians and patients to understand, and they highlight whether further investigation or management is needed.
Why These Results Matter for You and Your Health
For Patients
• Early detection of circulatory issues
• Better understanding of your leg health
• Peace of mind when results are normal
• Clear guidance if referral is needed
• Improved management of long-term conditions like diabetes or PAD
For Your GP or Specialist
• Immediate, accurate, digital results
• A reliable baseline for future comparison
• Objective evidence to support referrals to vascular services
• Reduced need for repeated testing
• Enhanced communication of risk and urgency
Who Should Have an ABPI Test?
You may benefit from an ABPI test if you:
• Experience leg pain, cramping, or tiredness when walking
• Have diabetes
• Have cold feet, colour changes, or slow-healing wounds
• Are a smoker or ex-smoker
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Have a personal or family history of cardiovascular disease
• Are over 65
ABPI testing is non-invasive, comfortable, and provides valuable insights for your long-term foot and overall health.
Book Your ABPI Assessment
Our clinic offers several appointment options so you can choose the level of foot care and vascular assessment that best suits your needs.
Reminder: For your upcoming ABPI test at Step First Podiatry, PLEASE AVOID CAFFEINE (TEA, COFFEE, ENERGY DRINKS, COLA, CHOCOLATE) FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
Half + ABPI (Approx. 40 minutes total)
A combined appointment including:
• 20-minute foot care treatment
• ABPI vascular assessment using our Mesi Smart ABI system
Ideal for patients who need routine foot care alongside a quick but reliable circulation check.
Full + ABPI (50 minutes total)
A comprehensive appointment including:
• 30–40 minutes of detailed foot care
• ABPI vascular assessment
Perfect for patients who require more extensive foot health treatment and want a thorough circulation evaluation during the same visit.
Diabetic Foot Assessment (40 minutes)
A focused assessment for people living with diabetes, including:
• Vascular screening
• Neurological testing
• Foot health risk grading
• Professional advice and management plan
This appointment helps detect early complications and provides crucial information for ongoing diabetic foot care.
ABPI only (20 minutes)
When just an ABPI is required:
• ABPI vascular assessment
• Professional advice and management plan
This appointment is purely for the ABPI test and is for when no footcare is required.