Renal Artery Ultrasound

A renal artery ultrasound is a painless diagnostic imaging test that examines the renal arteries, which supply oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidneys. It checks for renal artery stenosis, the narrowing or blockage of the arteries due to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to high blood pressure and decrease in kidney function. The kidneys require sufficient blood flow to filter waste and eliminate excess fluid. During the test, the ultrasound technician guides a small hand-held device called a transducer over the abdomen where the renal arteries are located. The transducer emits high frequency sound waves that echo off the renal arteries and convert into images on a computer screen. Combined with Doppler technology, the speed and direction of the arterial blood flow can be assessed at the same time.