Expected duration
30-45 minutes
Preparation
Keep the arm comfortably warm
Report
Timing confirmed
Referral
When clinically requested
Who May Be Referred for This Examination?
People approaching dialysis when access planning is requested
Patients being assessed before fistula or graft creation
Dialysis patients with concern about access function
Patients referred for access surveillance or follow-up
Common Reasons for Referral
Planning for creation of dialysis access
Pre-operative mapping of arm arteries and veins
Concern that a new fistula is not maturing as expected
Difficulty with cannulation or dialysis flow
New swelling or discomfort near the access
Concern about narrowing, thrombosis, or another access complication
What to Expect During the Examination
1
You sit or lie comfortably with the relevant arm accessible
2
Ultrasound gel is applied along the arm
3
Selected arteries and veins are examined and mapped
4
Vessel diameter, depth, and blood-flow measurements are recorded
5
An existing access is assessed according to the referral question
Frequently Asked Questions
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