Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound

Imaging Center in Pasadena & Los Angeles, CA

What is a Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound?

(Renal Ultrasound; Kidney Ultrasound)

A kidney ultrasound, also known as renal ultrasound, is a non-invasive medical imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and surrounding structures. It is commonly used to assess the size, shape, and condition of the kidneys, as well as to detect any abnormalities or potential issues.

A provider’s referral is required to schedule a Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound.

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Exam Preparation

How to prepare for your Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound?

Here are some general guidelines that you might be asked to follow when preparing for a Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound:

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.

If your healthcare provider has given you specific instructions for preparation, make sure to follow them closely.

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.

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

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

What to expect during your
Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound?

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

In most cases, there is no special preparation required for a kidney ultrasound. You may be asked to drink water before the procedure to fill your bladder, as this can help provide clearer images of the kidneys. However, your healthcare provider will provide specific 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.

A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area of your kidney 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.

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 kidney and may ask you to change positions during the procedure to get better views of different angles of your kidneys. They might press slightly to get a better view of certain organs.

As the transducer is moved, it captures images of your kidneys 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.

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

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 Renal (Kidney) 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.

Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound Price

$300

Ready to schedule your renal ultrasound appointment?