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Abdomen

Renal artery duplex

Checking the arteries that supply your kidneys.

Renal artery duplex evaluates blood flow in the arteries supplying the kidneys. The sonographer may ask you to change position or briefly hold your breath to obtain images and measurements.

What it looks for

  • Narrowing in the arteries feeding either kidney
  • Flow speeds at the origin of each renal artery
  • The waveform measured inside the kidney itself
  • The size of each kidney, and how the two compare

Step by step

What to expect.

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

SKINSAMPLE GATERENAL ARTERYVELOCITY OVER TIME

Interactive walkthrough

Step 1 of 4

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Exam information

Common questions.

Additional information about the procedure and your visit.

Why are position changes needed?

Images may be taken while you lie on your back or side to view the renal arteries from different angles.

What if holding my breath is difficult?

Tell the sonographer if you have difficulty following breathing instructions or need a pause.

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.

Fasting may be required.

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

Mesenteric artery duplex

Patient guideMesenteric artery duplex