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Programs & Services - Medical Imaging

Ultrasound > Exams & Procedures > Transplant Kidney

This ultrasound examination examines a transplanted kidney for any signs of rejection or obstruction. This includes looking at the perfusion or blood flow within and around the kidney.

  • The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
  • No preparation is required.
  • You will be asked to lie down on a table with your abdomen uncovered. An odourless and water soluble gel will be put on your skin by the ultrasound technologist.
  • This helps to transmit the sound waves and allows easy movement of the probe or transducer over the skin.
  • The technologist will move the probe along the skin, taking pictures of the kidney and its arteries and veins.
  • The technologist will leave the room once all the pictures are taken in order to develop the images and show them to the radiologist before letting you leave.

Doppler Study

A Doppler study is used to examine blood vessels. It can detect any areas of blockage (clot), dilatation or narrowing. Colour Doppler displays colour to show direction of flow. Pulsed Doppler allows you to listen for the characteristic sounds that differentiate arteries and veins. It can also produce a graph displaying the speed and direction of blood flow. This is helpful in determining whether the transplant is getting enough blood flow from the main arteries and veins.

Does this hurt?

No.

When will I get my results?

If you are seeing your doctor immediately after your ultrasound appointment, a hand written report preliminary will be given to you. If you are not seeing your doctor following the ultrasound test, a final report will be mailed to your doctor within seven days.