Renal Artery Doppler Ultrasound

The renal artery Doppler ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to assess the blood flow into and out of the kidneys.

If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, your doctor may request this exam to determine if there is a narrowing in the blood vessels leading to each kidney from the aorta. Tiny blood vessels within each kidney are also evaluated.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

• Eat a light breakfast the morning of your exam that does NOT contain dairy or fatty foods.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
• Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

• Your sonographer will ask you to expose your abdomen to scan the area.
• A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied your abdomen.
• The sonographer will move the transducer (probe) around the front and side of your abdomen and ribcage to gather images of your organs.
• You will hear what sounds like your heartbeat throughout the test while your sonographer checks the many blood vessels of the kidney.
• The sonographer will ask you to perform various breathing techniques that aid in obtaining the best images of your organs.
• You may be asked to lie on your side, sit, or stand to bring your organs into a better position.
• You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images.
• The radiologist may come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results. You will then be free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.