Renal Ultrasound Overview

This test uses sound waves to study the renal system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder).

Prior to Test

• Your doctor may do a physical exam.

• You must have a full bladder for the test; do not empty your bladder until after the ultrasound.

Description of Test

You will lie on a table. Your doctor will put a gel on your belly over your bladder and kidneys. The gel helps the sound waves travel between the machine and your body.

The ultrasound machine has a hand-held instrument called a transducer, which looks like a microphone or wand. The transducer is pushed against your skin where the gel was applied. The transducer sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your internal organs and echo back to the transducer. The echoes are converted into images that are shown on a screen. The doctor examines the images. He may make a photograph of them.

After Test

The gel will be wiped from your belly.

How Long Will It Take?

30-45 minutes

Will It Hurt?

No

A radiologist will look at the images to make sure everything appears normal.

If your doctor or radiologist detects any problems with your organs or blockage in any of the tubes, more tests may be done to find the exact problem and cause. The doctor may also decide that the renal ultrasound provides enough information to make up a treatment plan for you.

RESOURCES:

National Institutes of Health
http://www.nih.gov/

National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/

The Kidney Foundation of Canada
http://www.kidney.ab.ca/

References:

Imaging of the urinary tract. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/imagingut/index.htm . Published November 2006. Accessed October 20, 2009.