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Vascular access

Dialysis access evaluation

Checking the fistula or graft used for your dialysis.

Dialysis access ultrasound evaluates an arteriovenous fistula or graft. The sonographer examines the supplying artery, the connection, and the outflow vessels, and records blood-flow measurements.

What it looks for

  • Flow volume through the access
  • Narrowing at the join, or along the outflow vein
  • How deep the access sits beneath the skin, and its diameter
  • Clot, or segments that have widened out

Step by step

What to expect.

View the exam animation or select a stage to learn more.

SKINSAMPLE GATEFISTULAVELOCITY OVER TIME

Interactive walkthrough

Step 1 of 4

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Exam information

Common questions.

Additional information about the procedure and your visit.

What should I discuss before the exam?

Tell the sonographer about any tenderness and any access-care instructions provided by your dialysis team.

How is the access scanned?

Pressure is kept deliberately light over a fistula or graft, because pressing hard would distort the very flow being measured. Say something if any part of it feels tender.

How will I receive my results?

A clinician reviews the images and measurements to prepare a report. The practice will publish its results and report-delivery process before appointments become available.

Getting ready

Before you come in.

Preparation varies by protocol.

Instructions sent with your appointment take priority over anything on this page, even where the two differ.

Afterwards

When it is over.

The gel is wiped off, and most patients go straight back to their usual activities with no recovery time and no restrictions.

The practice will publish who interprets the study and how results are shared after its reporting workflow is approved.

Next study

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