The terms triphasic, biphasic, and monophasic, that were used to describe arterial waveforms, lack standardized application. Triphasic, commonly denoting normal arterial flow, has been inconsistently applied to abnormal waveforms. Biphasic has been used for both normal and abnormal flow patterns, and monophasic, typically indicating abnormal flow, has variable applications. The lack of standardization, including terms like phasicity and the absence of a zero-flow baseline, has led to confusion.

Standardizing Doppler waveform nomenclature is crucial for accurate communication of vascular diagnostic test results and preventing unnecessary repeat testing.