What is an Renal Ultrasound?
A renal kidney ultrasound is a diagnostic exam using high frequency sound waves to study the kidneys and urinary bladder. Ultrasound is safe and does not involve the use of any injections or radiation.
How is the examination performed?
A Registered Ultrasound Technologist will perform your examination and can answer any questions you may have. A renal ultrasound is done by placing a small amount of warm ultrasound gel on your abdomen and by pressing a small probe or transducer over the area to be imaged.
Who is a candidate for a Renal Ultrasound?
A renal ultrasound can sometimes be ordered for flank pain, blood in your urine, or abnormal blood work for example.
Will I need to prepare for the exam?
Yes, please be well hydrated the day previous and the day of your exam. Please drink 16 ounces of liquids (preferably water) one hour prior to your appointment. A full bladder is necessary in order to accurately visualize anatomy best. Please do not use the restroom until after your exam.
What will I experience?
You will be asked to lie down on your back and expose your stomach and pelvis area. The Technologist will place some warm gel on you and begin pressing the transducer or probe onto your abdomen region. The Technologist may be giving you some breathing instructions that help in obtaining the best possible images. She may also ask you to roll onto your side to better see one of your kidneys. A series of images will be taken that last about 30 minutes.
What happens next?
The Technologist will give you a towel to wipe off the gel and you are done. The Technologist will analyze your images and send them to the Radiologist’s computer for interpretation.
The Radiologist, a State of New Mexico licensed and board certified Physician that specializes in radiology interpretation will read your images. A report will be dictated, transcribed, and faxed to the Physician that ordered your test. Your Physician will receive the report and is responsible for notifying you of the results.