Renal Artery Ultrasound An Overview
A renal artery ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the renal arteries. The renal arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys. A renal artery ultrasound procedure is one of the heart and vascular services offered by The Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute in Dayton, OH.
Why do you perform a renal artery ultrasound?
We perform a renal artery ultrasound to look for blockages or narrowing of the renal arteries. Your physician may also order a renal artery ultrasound to monitor existing renal artery disease or as a follow-up after surgery.
Buckeye Heart & Vascular Institute provides renal artery ultrasounds in Dayton, Ohio. Our certified cardiologists are here for all of your heart and vascular needs.
How To Prepare for A Renal Artery Ultrasound
Your physician will explain all aspects of your testing during your visit. In most cases, we ask patients not to eat or drink 8 hours before the ultrasound. Fasting before the ultrasound provides clearer visibility for the technician and physician.
Renal Artery Ultrasound What to Expect
What To Expect During and After A Renal Artery Ultrasound
You will lie on your back on an exam table during a renal artery ultrasound. Your technician will apply gel to the transducer and carefully move the transducer around the abdomen to produce images of the renal artery.
Your technician may ask you to roll over, hold your breath, or move during the testing to get a clearer image of the renal artery. The entire procedure takes about 60 minutes to complete and is typically performed in the morning. Once we complete the ultrasound, your technician will wipe any excess gel from the abdomen.
Renal Artery Ultrasound FAQs
How Long Does a Renal Doppler Ultrasound Take?
The renal artery ultrasound is a painless, safe procedure that generally takes one hour to complete.
How Much Does A Renal Artery Ultrasound Cost?
With hospital or self-pay billing, this treatment is $762.66. With insurance billing, it is $530. However, with our self-pay, this treatment is $348.
What does a renal artery ultrasound show?
Ultrasounds utilize sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. A doctor who orders a renal artery ultrasound may suspect a plaque buildup in the arteries or a narrowing or blockage. A renal artery ultrasound gives doctors an accurate and detailed image of the blood flow in the renal arteries, so they can view and diagnose exactly what is occurring.
How long does a renal artery ultrasound take?
A renal artery ultrasound takes around an hour to complete. It may take longer when the excess wait time is involved. Patients can leave immediately after the exam and resume regular activities.
Do you need to empty your bladder before a renal artery ultrasound?
You do not have to fast before a renal artery ultrasound. We actually recommend that you drink at least 24 ounces of water before leaving for your appointment. There is very rarely any sedation involved, so no prior bladder emptying preparation is needed.
