What is it?

A Renal Artery Duplex Scan is a diagnostic ultrasound that checks for problems in the arteries which supply your kidneys with blood. This ultrasound will show us pictures of both your arteries and your kidneys.

Why we do it?

This test is typically ordered for patients with a history of renal issues. It is also ordered for patients with high blood pressure as this test helps check for potential narrowing of the arteries leading to your kidneys. Our providers may also order this test if you have s tent placed in one of your renal arteries to ensure it is still open.

When is it ordered?

Renal artery stenosis often does not exhibit any signs or symptoms until it reaches an advanced state. It is a condition often discovered during testing performed for other reasons, but there are a few symptoms that will often prompt your provider to order this test:

• High blood pressure that begins or worsens out of nowhere

• High blood pressure that appears before the age of 30 or after the age of 50

In its later states, signs and symptoms of renal artery stenosis include:

• High blood pressure that's difficult to treat

• A distinct whooshing noise heard by your provider when placing a stethoscope over your kidneys

• Higher than normal protein levels in your urine or other signs or symptoms of atypical kidney function

• Worsening kidney function during treatment for high blood pressure

• Swelling in your body’s tissues

How should you prepare?

You cannot eat, chew gum, smoke, or drink any caffeinated or carbonated beverage for 12 hours before having this test. If you are diabetic and on insulin, please be sure to let your doctor know to adjust your insulin since you cannot eat before this test. You can drink water and continue taking your prescribed medications. Please ask your doctor if you have any questions about your medications.

How long does the test last?

The test lasts for approximately 30 minutes.