Vascular Imaging · Renal Duplex
Renal Artery Ultrasound
A 45-minute scan of the arteries feeding your kidneys, checking for narrowing that can drive resistant high blood pressure.
A 45-minute scan of the arteries feeding your kidneys, checking for narrowing that can drive resistant high blood pressure.
The Study
A renal artery ultrasound is a painless scan of the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys. It checks for narrowing that can cause hard-to-control high blood pressure and declining kidney function. The scan uses sound waves with no radiation or needles, takes 45 minutes, and results are reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
Renal artery narrowing usually presents as a blood pressure problem rather than a kidney one.
It is also indicated with declining kidney function, blood pressure that suddenly worsened after years of good control, or diabetes with kidney involvement.
Not sure this is the right study for you? Compare all six side by side, or take the two-minute health score — it asks about your history and points you to the study that fits.
What to Expect
Many people have never had this scan before. Here is exactly what happens — no surprises, no anxiety.
No radiation. No needles. No discomfort. An ultrasound uses sound waves — the same technology used in obstetric imaging. It is entirely safe and non-invasive.
We ask that you avoid eating for 4—6 hours before this scan for the clearest possible images of the kidney arteries.
Gel is applied to your upper abdomen. The sonographer uses a probe to locate and image both renal arteries.
Flow velocities are measured at the origin of each renal artery and along its length to detect any significant narrowing.
We also evaluate kidney size and appearance — chronic narrowing often causes one kidney to shrink over time.
Findings include flow velocity ratios, degree of stenosis if present, kidney size comparison, and clinical interpretation.
What We're Looking For
These conditions often develop without symptoms for years. Early detection changes the outcome dramatically.
The Honest Part
Most people are checked and get reassurance. Some do not — and that is the point of imaging. Here is exactly what happens in that case.
Why BlackPoint
Quality cardiovascular imaging shouldn't require a hospital visit, a referral, or a weeks-long wait. Our sonographer performs cardiovascular imaging daily alongside physicians — clinical-grade diagnostics delivered with genuine convenience.
“Emanuel was professional and informative. The appointment felt clean, quiet and calming. I was able to get scheduled quickly and received my results the very next day.”
Google review“He was very professional, kind, and took the time to explain everything he was doing during the procedure, which really helped put me at ease. I received my results within 48 hours, which was impressive. Excellent experience overall.”
Google review“Emanuel was respectful and knowledgeable. I was brought in on time and was kept informed of what he was doing along with detailed explanations. The room was clean, quiet, and private. I received my results within 48 hours with a follow up email from Emanuel. Highly recommend.”
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Common Questions
When blood pressure remains elevated despite taking two or more medications, the condition is called resistant hypertension. One of the most common and treatable causes is renal artery stenosis — a narrowing of the arteries that supply the kidneys. When the kidneys receive reduced blood flow, they signal the body to raise blood pressure further. A renal artery duplex ultrasound can identify this condition non-invasively.
Yes — and this relationship is often reversed in people's minds. Renal artery stenosis reduces blood flow to the kidneys, triggering the release of hormones that raise blood pressure system-wide. This cycle can be difficult to break with medication alone. Identifying the underlying vascular cause is the first step toward targeted treatment.
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of one or both arteries that deliver blood to the kidneys. It is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) in older adults, or by fibromuscular dysplasia in younger patients. A renal artery duplex ultrasound is the standard non-invasive test to detect stenosis before it causes irreversible kidney damage.
Yes. BlackPoint Diagnostics does not require a physician referral. Book directly at our online booking page — evenings after 7pm and weekends. Results reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and delivered within 24—48 hours.
$397 flat in Falmouth — no facility fees, no hidden costs. Book at our Falmouth imaging center in Southern Maine. See what a renal artery ultrasound costs in full.
Most often when blood pressure stays high despite three or more medications, or when kidney function has been drifting without an explanation. Narrowing of the arteries that feed the kidneys is one treatable cause of both, and it is invisible on a blood test. The study is $397 at our Falmouth imaging center, or $597 on-site at your home or workplace anywhere in Southern Maine.
Book Your Scan
$397 all-inclusive in Falmouth. No referral, no insurance, no facility fees. Serving Southern Maine from our Falmouth imaging center.
Renal artery ultrasound for patients across Southern Maine: Bath, Biddeford, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland and Westbrook. Studies are performed at the Falmouth imaging center, or on-site at your home or workplace.
Further Reading & References
Resistant Hypertension and Renal Artery Ultrasound in Maine · Resistant Hypertension — Could Your Kidneys Be the Cause? · check your cardiovascular risk score · Download our free heart health guide