Renal Ultrasound

Your doctor may refer you for a renal ultrasound to assess urine flow or the size, position, and shape of the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. Sometimes the information gathered from a renal ultrasound is used to guide other procedures, such as conducting a biopsy, draining fluid from a cyst, or placing a drainage tube.

Additionally, renal ultrasounds may be ordered to investigate:

• Abscess
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Fluid collection
• Presence of obstructions (stones)
• Prostate size
• Bladder wall
• Diverticula of the bladder
• Kidney evaluation after transplant

• The sonographer may ask you to change into a gown, depending on which organ we are examining.
  • Alternatively, the sonographer may arrange your clothing to expose the area of interest so they can apply ultrasound gel.
• A warm, hypoallergenic ultrasound gel will be applied between your hipbones and below your belly button.
• The sonographer will move the transducer (probe) around the area of interest, gathering images of your organs.
• The sonographer will apply moderate pressure with the probe, which may be momentarily uncomfortable but should not cause pain.
  • Please inform your sonographer of any discomfort.
• You may be asked to change position – lying on your side or sitting – or foam blocks may be used to elevate certain limbs. This is done to move your organs into a better position for imaging.
• You may be asked to empty your bladder. Then the sonographer will take more images to measure the volume of remaining urine.
• After the sonographer has captured the images, you are free to leave.
• One of our radiologists will review the images and send a detailed report to your doctor, usually within one business day.

Since a renal ultrasound focuses on bladder draining, post-void residual, urine flow through the ureters, etc., it is extremely important that you prepare correctly and drink water before your exam. Please visit our exam prep page for specific instructions relating to renal ultrasound.

During a renal ultrasound, you will be on a bed, usually on your back. You may be asked to change position during your scan. Positions include sitting and lying on your side. Foam blocks may be used to elevate limbs for better imaging.