bladder Ultrasound

Imaging Center in Pasadena & Los Angeles, CA

What is a Bladder Ultrasound?

A Bladder Ultrasound, also known as a bladder scan or a renal bladder ultrasound, is a medical imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the urinary bladder. It is a non-invasive and painless diagnostic tool commonly used to assess the size, shape, and volume of the bladder, as well as to evaluate its function and detect any abnormalities or conditions affecting the bladder.

A provider’s referral is required to schedule a Bladder Ultrasound.

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Exam Preparation

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How to prepare for your Bladder Ultrasound Procedure?

Here are some general guidelines that you might be asked to follow when preparing for a Bladder Ultrasound:

Follow Instructions

Your healthcare provider or Sono Center Medical Group will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the ultrasound. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully.

Eating/Drinking

You must drink 32 ounces (approximately 1 liter) of water about one hour before the exam. Avoid urinating and do not empty your bladder.

Clothing

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove. In some cases, you might be asked to change into a gown provided by us.

Medications

Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.

Bring Information

A provider’s referral is required to schedule any imaging study. If you do not have a provider referral, Sono Center can assist with scheduling a telehealth consultation for you (independent healthcare provider belonging to an external network). If you have any relevant medical history, previous imaging results, or physician referrals, please bring them with you to the appointment.

Remember that the specific instructions for preparation can vary, so it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider and Sono Center Medical Group. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the preparation, don’t hesitate to contact us or your healthcare provider for clarification. If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ultrasound Procedure

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What to expect during your Bladder Ultrasound Procedure?

During a Bladder Ultrasound, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table, typically on your back. The procedure includes the following:

Preparation

You must drink 32 ounces (approximately 1 liter) of water about one hour before the exam. Avoid urinating and do not empty your bladder. Your healthcare provider will provide additional instructions if any preparation is needed. You might be asked to change into a gown and will need to expose the area of your kidney that is being examined.

Gel Application

A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area of your bladder that will be examined. This gel helps to create a smooth surface and facilitate the transmission of sound waves between the transducer and your skin.

Transducer Placement

The ultrasound technologist will use a handheld device called a transducer. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that are used to create images of the internal structures. The technologist will move the transducer gently across your bladder and might press slightly to get a better view of your bladder.

Image Acquisition

As the transducer is moved, it captures images of your bladder and surrounding structures. These sound waves are then converted into images on a monitor. The technologist may take images from different angles and positions to capture all the necessary information.

Documentation

The images obtained during the ultrasound are saved for later review by a radiologist.

Completion

Once all the necessary images have been obtained, you may wipe off the gel from your skin. You can then go about your normal activities.

After the procedure, the images and findings of your Bladder Ultrasound will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will generate a report for your healthcare provider. We will share the report with you via a HIPAA compliant email, as well as fax the report to your healthcare provider. You must follow up with your healthcare provider for a clinical exam based on your concern and to review your results. It is important for you to understand that you may have problems, disease, or abnormalities, but this study may not find them. You may need additional imaging or tests.