Renal Access Work Up

A Renal Access Workup is an ultrasound scan of one or both arms. This scan looks at the size of your veins and how well blood flows through your arteries. Doctors use a Renal Access Workup to check if your arm is suitable for creating a fistula, which is a special connection made for dialysis treatment.

During the Renal Access Workup, a trained sonographer moves a small handheld device over your skin. This device uses sound waves to create pictures of your veins and arteries. The Renal Access Workup is safe, painless, and does not use radiation. It simply gives your doctor the information they need to plan the best access for your dialysis care.

The Renal Access Workup is an important step in preparing for treatment. By checking your veins early, your doctor can choose the safest and strongest place for a fistula. This helps make dialysis easier and more comfortable in the long run. You may also hear this test called an arm vein ultrasound, but it is the same thing.