Renal Transplant Ultrasound

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Ultrasound of the renal transplant uses sound waves to obtain pictures of the transplanted kidney. Color Doppler is used to check the overall blood flow of the kidney, and spectral Doppler checks certain places within a blood vessel. The blood vessels inside the kidney are checked, as are the vessels leading to and from the kidney.

Ultrasound sends sound waves into the body using a transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves. After gel is applied to the skin, the sonographer (technologist) presses the transducer against the skin to obtain pictures. As the sound waves echo from the body’s fluids and tissues, an image is formed to show the tissues.

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

1. You will lie on an exam table, with your clothing moved out of the way.
2. A warm gel is applied to the abdomen to help the transducer make contact with your skin.
3. The sonographer then presses the transducer against the skin and sweeps it over the lower abdomen to take the pictures.
4. The radiologist may obtain more pictures after the sonographer is done.
5. If a biopsy of the transplanted kidney is needed, direct ultrasound guidance is used to help the nephrologist (kidney doctor) get the tissue samples.

• Renal transplant ultrasound is fast, painless, and easy.
• You will feel the sonographer apply warm gel to your abdomen, and press the transducer against your skin.
• You may be asked to roll on either side, or change positions.
• There is little or no discomfort with the exam, which usually takes less than 30 minutes.

The radiologist, who specializes in ultrasound will review the pictures and send the report to your doctor. You will receive the ultrasound results from the doctor who ordered the test. The radiologist may discuss early findings with you at the end of your exam.