A diagnostic accuracy study comparing Duplex ultrasound and Transonics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A diagnostic accuracy study to assess volume flow measurements recorded using Duplex ultrasound and the Transonics flow system in arteriovenous fistulas patients.
IRAS ID
167079
Contact name
Laura E Haworth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Salford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 6 days
Research summary
The study will be based in the dialysis unit at Royal Cornwall hospital on patients’ with an arteriovenous fistula- a joining of an artery and vein to provide a permanent access for their regular hemodialysis required due to their diagnosis of end stage chronic kidney failure. It will be a diagnostic accuracy study to compare measuring proximal volume flow and resistance in the brachial artery using Duplex ultrasound to the volume flow measurements recorded using Transonics- which is currently is what is used as the main method of surveillance in this trust. Volume flow provides a useful resource for determining the health of the fistula (Thrush& Hartshorne.,2010); as a fall in volume flow of <500ml/min (National Kidney Foundation,2014) is indicative of a stenosis anywhere within the fistula. The study will assess how close the two readings are between the two methods and look for a measure of similarity. If there is a high level agreement between the two methods then Duplex ultrasound could provide an alternative mode or additional method with Transonics for measuring volume flows in arteriovenous fistulas and aid hospital staff in providing a successful surveillance service.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0757
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion