A patient assessment must be performed before the exam. This includes an assessment of the patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure and an evaluation of any contraindications to the procedure. The sonographer or examiner should obtain a complete, pertinent history by interview of the patient or their representative and a review the patient’s medical record, when available.

A pertinent history includes:

• Current medical status, especially regarding known arterial disease or poorly controlled hypertension.
• Current kidney function and/or other renal abnormality
• Laboratory values, particularly BUN and serum Creatinine (when available), according to individual laboratory protocols
• Signs or symptoms of peripheral vascular disease
• History of fibromuscular dysplasia
• History of cardiac disease
• Current medications or therapies
• Results of prior vascular studies and other imaging modalities when available