Which test is most likely to identify peripheral artery disease?

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a diagnostic test specifically designed to identify peripheral artery disease (PAD). It involves measuring the blood pressure in the patient's ankle and comparing it to the blood pressure in the arm. By assessing the ratio of these pressures, clinicians can determine the adequacy of blood flow to the lower limbs. A lower ABI suggests compromised blood flow, which is characteristic of PAD.

This test is particularly valuable because it provides a non-invasive means of diagnosing arterial blockages and is widely accepted in clinical practice. Its simplicity and reliability make it a standard tool for evaluating patients who are at risk for vascular disease, ensuring timely identification and management of PAD.

While skin temperature, girth measurements, and volumetric measurements can provide useful information regarding a patient's condition, they do not directly assess blood flow and hence are not effective in diagnosing peripheral artery disease as specifically as the ankle-brachial index.