What is The Test?
The renal arteries are the vessels that supply each kidney with blood. This exam uses high frequency sound waves to look for blockages within these arteries and to check the blood flow through these arteries.
Patient Preparation
There is nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before your exam. We do understand that many of our patients are on medications and those are allowed but limited to taking with a minimal amount of water.
What to Expect
Once in the room, you will lie down on the exam table. The technologist will ask you to raise your shirt and warm gel will be applied to your abdomen. The technologist will use a transducer to send the ultrasound waves into your body. The ultrasound waves will produce a picture of the renal arteries on the ultrasound machine that will allow the technologist to measure the vessels and check the blood flow through each vessel. The right renal artery will be assessed first, then the left. The technologist will take several pictures during the exam and you may hear noises that sound like your heart beat as your blood flow is being assessed. You may be asked to turn on each side while the technologist takes measurements of each kidney. You will feel nothing during the exam except for slight pressure as the probe is placed against your skin. The exam will take 45-60 minutes. After the exam is completed, our vascular specialist will review the information and the final results will be discussed with you at your follow up appointment.