For renal catheterization, remove all clothing, Put on surgical gown. After the local anesthetic is injected around the femoral vein in your groin, you will feel no pain when the catheter is passed into the big vein of the kidney. Sterile, disposable equipment prevents contamination or spread of infection. Skin over the vein to be stuck is cleaned with alcohol or other antiseptic on a piece of cotton. When blood is drawn from a vein, the operator feels the vein to be used then punctures both the skin and vein in one quick stroke.
Operator withdraws the needle and transfers sample from the collecting syringe into sterile tubes.
The test is done in an X-ray lab equipped with fluoroscopy equipment. Catheter is passed into this large vein and advanced to the kidneys. Blood samples collected through catheter from kidney vessels and vena cava. Catheter is removed. Adhesive bandage is applied to puncture site.