Kidney ultrasound
kidney ultrasound · kidney and bladder ultrasound · renal ultrasound · urinary tract ultrasound
The doctor looks at your kidneys and bladder with ultrasound. It is safe and uses no radiation.
For lower back pain, abnormal urine tests, high blood pressure, or suspected stones.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 20 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually no special diet is needed. The day before, it is best to avoid foods that cause gas: beans, fizzy drinks, raw vegetables.
- Bladder. If your bladder is checked too, you are usually asked to drink half a liter to 1 liter of water an hour before and not go to the toilet. Check with your clinic.
- Clothes. Wear something comfortable. Your belly and lower back need to be bare.
What to bring
- Your referral
- A urine test and past ultrasound reports, if you have them
- A tissue or towel
How it goes
- You lie on your back, then on your side or belly
- The doctor puts gel on your side and lower back
- Both kidneys are checked with the probe
- You are asked to breathe in and hold your breath for a few seconds
- If your bladder is checked, you are then asked to use the toilet and it is checked again
What you'll feel
- The gel is cool
- The probe presses a little. It does not hurt
- A full bladder can feel uncomfortable. It does not last long
Afterwards
- You can go back to your day straight away
- You usually get the report right away
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe lower back pain with fever, vomiting, or blood in the urine: do not wait for your appointment. Call emergency services
Common questions
Can kidney stones be seen on ultrasound?
Yes, most kidney stones can be seen. Very small stones, or stones in the ureter, are sometimes seen better on a CT scan.
Do I need to drink water before a kidney ultrasound?
Not for the kidneys themselves. The bladder needs to be full, so you are often asked to drink water.