A kidney ultrasound is an examination showing the size, shape, and contour of the kidneys and bladder. It also shows anything that might be forming such as a cyst or mass.
Indications:
- Abdominal pain
- Flank pain
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Urinary tract infection
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
- Elevated renal function tests
- Abnormal kidney function test
Risk factors:
- Family history of polycystic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Autoimmune disorders
- Birth defects of the kidneys
- Glomerulonephritis
- Injury or trauma
- Kidney stones or infection
- Certain pain medications
- Numerous drugs
- Reflux nephropathy
What is involved?
The ultrasound of the kidneys will be performed with the patient lying flat on the table on his/her back. The patient’s shirt will be lifted up and the pants lowered by the hip region. Sometimes the patient may be asked to lie on his/her sides to better optimize the kidneys. A small amount of warm gel will be placed on both sides of the abdomen and at the bladder region. The technician will be using a transducer that will be moved around on the patient’s kidney and bladder area to be able to produce images for the doctor. The test will take approximately 20 minutes.
