Varicose veins are close to the surface of your skin and easy to see. A varicose veins specialist can diagnose the condition during a physical examination. To get detailed images of your veins, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound doppler test. This safe, painless test uses sound waves to produce pictures of tissues inside your body. Ultrasounds help detect blood clots and assess how your vein valves are functioning, aiding in treatment planning. For varicose veins originating from the pelvic area, additional tests like CT or MRI may be required.