Renal Doppler is a noninvasive ultrasound test used to detect kidney abnormalities and evaluate their general health. It is used to diagnose specific problems and can detect conditions such as renal artery stenosis, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and kidney stones. The procedure is generally safe, but misdiagnoses can occur due to underlying conditions that may interfere with the test. Patients may need to prepare in advance for the procedure by not consuming food or drink for at least eight hours before the procedure, except for small amounts of water.
A renal Doppler is a noninvasive medical test that uses ultrasound technology to visualize the kidneys and surrounding blood vessels. Doctors and health professionals use it to detect kidney abnormalities and to evaluate the general health of the organs. It is usually only used when problems are suspected, which means that it is not normally part of routine checkups or tests. The procedure itself is painless, but it can be quite expensive to perform and may have some associated risks. As a result, it is usually only used when needed to diagnose or rule out specific problems.
How does it work?
Doppler ultrasounds use sound wave technology to look at blood flow in targeted parts of the body and, in the context of the kidney, are focused specifically on one or both kidneys. In most cases sound waves pass through a hand wand, called a transducer. They bounce off red blood cells as they circulate, then translate the speeds and measurements they detect into a visual image, usually on a connected computer screen. Medical experts and technicians can further manipulate these images by focusing on different areas and zones.
Common protocol
Patients sometimes have to prepare in advance for these procedures. Pre-test procedures vary by healthcare provider, but in general, people are asked not to consume any food or drink for at least eight hours before the procedure, except for small amounts of water. Carbonated drinks in particular should be avoided, as carbonation can interfere with the testing procedure and can distort images.
It is also common for patients to be given water to drink before starting the procedure to stimulate the kidneys and trigger more vigorous blood flow. People are usually asked to remove clothing and anything else that might interfere with the testing process, such as jewelry or other accessories; sometimes the undergarments may stay on, but more often people wear surgical gowns. Most of the time patients lie down on an examination table, although sometimes it is also possible to lie down in an ultrasound chair. The technician will apply a clear gel to the skin above your abdomen to allow the transducer to glide, which in turn can help produce a clearer, smoother image.
Why is it used
Renal Doppler procedures are traditionally used to detect conditions such as renal artery stenosis, which is a narrowing and hardening of the arteries flowing to and from the kidneys. Stricture is a form of atherosclerosis, which causes a restriction of blood flow; as far as the kidneys are concerned, this can cause a variety of problems. Impaired kidney function can impact everything from digestive health to blood chemistry. Renal artery stenosis is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50, but it can happen to almost anyone.
If doctors suspect high blood pressure, sometimes referred to as unilateral stricture, they may also order a Doppler. High blood pressure occurs when blood flow to a kidney is restricted due to a narrowing of the artery and is often associated with high blood pressure. Bilateral stenosis, or kidney failure, results from restricted blood flow to both kidneys and is usually related to decreased kidney function. Risk factors such as diabetes and smoking greatly increase an individual’s chance of developing these conditions, but sometimes they occur due to genetic factors, unrelated diseases or injuries.
The Doppler scan is also an efficient way to detect the presence of kidney stones, which are calcium deposits that lodge in the kidney passages and can cause pain along with a number of different symptoms. These blockages change the way blood flows to and through the kidneys, and trained technicians can usually notice these changes fairly quickly in the translated image.
associated risks
The renal Doppler test is generally considered medically safe and is often a good alternative to radiation-based x-rays and more invasive tests such as contrast scans. As a result it is generally safe for people with dye allergies and for pregnant women. The greatest risks come in the form of misdiagnoses, usually due to other underlying conditions that may interfere with the test. Obesity, for example, can skew results, as can certain blood chemistry imbalances. People who suffer from chronic intestinal gas also sometimes find Doppler scans inconclusive or just plain wrong.
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