Renal Artery Ultrasound

A renal artery ultrasound is a test that shows the renal arteries, which carry blood to the kidneys. These arteries may narrow or become blocked, which could result in kidney failure or high blood pressure (hypertension). Learn more about renal artery stenosis.

To complete this test, ultrasound waves will create images of the artery to assess the speed of blood flow through the artery and determine the degree of narrowing. This test is typically not performed during the screening program, but patients who are at high risk for renal disease and may require the study are identified and are scheduled for the screening at a later date. This test is most often performed in the morning on an empty stomach.