Has your doctor recommended a kidney ultrasound, and you don’t know what to expect? Maybe you are about to have an ultrasound and want to know the procedure? A kidney ultrasound can sound scary, but it doesn’t need to be.
Our guide today explores a kidney ultrasound in detail, explaining what to expect, the procedure, and what happens in a follow-up appointment.
What Is A Kindey Ultrasound?
A kidney ultrasound, often referred to as a renal ultrasound, is an imaging test that examines the kidneys and bladder. An ultrasound test uses sound waves to create images of your organs, which your healthcare provider views on a screen. These sound waves are harmless and undetectable to your ears, although you might feel some pressure when the ultrasound wand is applied to your body. A transducer (which looks like a flat-ended microphone) is used to move over your kidneys and bladder, relaying images to a screen that shows your bladder and kidneys in real-time. The images are analysed to provide a diagnosis and help doctors create a treatment plan.
Why Will My Doctor Suggest A Kidney Ultrasound?
A doctor will suggest a kidney ultrasound when more information is needed about the cause of a kidney problem. A kidney ultrasound often involves taking images of your bladder, too, as the issue can be connected to both organs. A kidney ultrasound is requested if your doctor suspects any of the following:
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An abscess
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A blockage or obstruction
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Injury or trauma
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Issues with blood flow to your kidneys
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Irregularities with the shape and size of your kidneys
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Kidney disease
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Kidney infection
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Kidney stones
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Kidney cysts
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Kidney tumour
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Pee building in your kidney (hydronephrosis)
An ultrasound is also used when a kidney biopsy is performed or to check on the health of a transplanted kidney.
What Happens During A Kidney Ultrasound?
A kidney ultrasound is a straightforward procedure, usually lasting between twenty and thirty minutes. During the ultrasound, images are generated by a transducer (a wand-shaped device) that is moved over your kidney and bladder.
We have outlined the preparation required, the procedure, and any follow-ups involved to help you know what to expect.
Preparation
In most cases, there is no preparation for a kidney ultrasound. You can usually eat and drink as normal on the day of your test, but in some cases, you might be asked to avoid eating after midnight on the day of your test. Your doctor will inform you if you must avoid eating before your test.
Your healthcare provider might request a post-void residual urine test (PVR). You must drink between 30 and 32 ounces of water an hour before the ultrasound and not void your bladder until after the test. This is to evaluate your bladder’s capacity and function. Requiring a full bladder before a kidney ultrasound is becoming more common, but unless your doctor mentions this, you don’t need to worry about arriving with a full bladder.
Procedure
The procedure for a kidney ultrasound is straightforward and follows the steps outlined below.
Step 1 – Change
When you arrive for your ultrasound, you will be provided with a hospital gown to change into. Most providers recommend wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that is easy to change into and out of, as this will speed up the process. Once changed, you will lie down on a padded exam table. The ultrasound technician can help you get into the right position if needed.
Step 2 – Gel
The technician will apply a water-soluble gel to your skin where the transducer will be placed. The gel won’t cause any pain or stain your clothes, although it can feel cold when it is first applied.
Step 3 – The Scan
A radiologist will replace the technician and complete your ultrasound. They will place the transducer on your skin around your abdomen. The transducer will be connected to a computer screen, showing your organs’ images in real-time.
Pressure will be added gently as the radiologist presses the transducer down and moves it slowly with one hand. If you are quite sore, you might feel some of the pressure, but most people find the process painless.
On the other hand, your radiologist will control the ultrasound machine, taking images and short videos of your organs. During the scan, rolling on your side or being asked to hold your breath is common. This is to provide clearer images or different angles of your kidneys.
You might also be asked to empty your bladder halfway through the test so they can see how it looks when it is full and empty. You will have access to a nearby bathroom to do this before returning to complete the scan.
Step 4 – Images Are Reviewed
After your scan, the images are reviewed by a radiologist. The radiologist may discuss their findings or write a report that is shared with your healthcare provider.
Follow Up
After your ultrasound, you can remove the gel, change your clothing, and continue everyday activities. You can eat and drink normally; many people return to work after the scan. You can also void your bladder normally if you were not asked to empty it during the scan.
In most cases, the results from your ultrasound are provided within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the test. Of course, this depends on how quickly your provider reviews and analyses the images. Your healthcare provider will then contact you to discuss the rest of the results. This could be a phone call or appointment.
During the follow-up appointment, your doctor will explain the results to you and create a treatment plan where necessary. They might request additional imaging tests, a kidney biopsy, or kidney function tests where necessary. Your doctor will explain why these tests are being ordered and answer any questions you might have.
What Does A Dark Spot On A Kidney Ultrasound Mean?
Some people will have a dark spot on their kidney ultrasound, which can sound scary, but you shouldn’t panic immediately. A dark spot will appear where sound waves cannot bounce off anything because they have hit liquid or a non-solid material.
A dark spot on your kidney can indicate an abscess or cyst. This means you will need additional imaging tests to look closer at the area and provide a diagnosis. At this point, your doctor cannot tell you if the cyst or abscess is benign or if it is something else entirely. There is no need to panic, as this could be a minor issue.
What Are The Advantages Of A Kidney Ultrasound?
Kidney ultrasounds have several advantages. They are fast and easy ways to determine the health of your kidneys. The ultrasound images provide a clear insight into your kidneys and can show tumours, blockages, and infections.
An ultrasound is a quick test, allowing doctors to conduct many of them in a day and providing results quickly to those who need them. The scan is also painless and noninvasive, limiting the disruption to your day. It is extremely safe, as no radiation is used, and it provides radiologists with a clear picture of soft tissue that does not show up on X-rays.
A kidney ultrasound can identify a variety of kidney disorders without the need for an X-ray procedure or a painful biopsy. It is considered the first step in diagnosing kidney issues and provides doctors with reliable results.
What Are The Risks Of A Kidney Ultrasound?
There are no known risks linked to a kidney ultrasound, making them safe for anyone to have. However, there is a risk of inaccurate results. When moving the ultrasound wand or reading the images, human error can, in rare cases, leave you with a false diagnosis. In some cases, images might not be taken due to blockages preventing the sound waves from penetrating your body. These cases are not common and are not concerning.
As a kidney ultrasound is the first step in diagnosing issues with your kidneys, any inaccuracies or false diagnoses will be disproven at the next stage of your diagnosis. You can always request a second scan or opinion if you are not happy with the findings from your ultrasound.
When Should I Call My Provider?
You should speak to your healthcare provider when you have questions about your kidney ultrasound, like how to prepare and when to expect test results. Your provider can also walk you through the procedure to relieve any stress or concerns you might have. You can also contact them if you have not received your results or to arrange a follow-up appointment.
Final Thoughts
A kidney ultrasound is a quick and noninvasive test that provides images of your kidneys and bladder. It is often used as the first step to diagnose kidney problems and create a treatment plan. While many people are asked to arrive with a full bladder, the safe test requires little preparation, and you can continue with your day afterwards.
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