A renal ultrasound is a painless test that safely uses sound waves to make images of a person’s kidneys, ureters and bladder. During the ultrasound, a trained sonographer spreads a clear, warm gel over the kidney area to help with the transmission of the sound waves. The sonographer uses a transducer (a small microphone-like device that emits high-frequency sound waves through the kidney area) to create an image of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and other related organs. The procedure usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Check out the many benefits of renal ultrasound exams and how they can help you.
The benefits of renal ultrasound
If there are concerns about your kidney or bladder function, a renal ultrasound may be needed to examine the overall health of your kidneys. This noninvasive diagnostic test gives the opportunity to look inside the body and examine areas that may be causing pain, illness or movement restriction. Renal ultrasounds can help detect:
- Kidney size
- Kidney injury
- Kidney stones or another blockage
- Other abnormalities or obstructions
- Infection
- Fluid collection
- Blood flow
- Abscesses
- Tumors or cysts
A sonographer reviews the image in real-time to evaluate the movement of the abdominal structures. This is a unique benefit of a renal ultrasound exam because the sonographer can react, make adjustments and receive high-quality images from various angles, ensuring a thorough exam.
How a renal ultrasound can help you
Doctors rely on this scan to develop an individualized treatment plan for you that is appropriate and effective. As with other types of illness or disease, the sooner a diagnosis is made, the easier it is to treat.
At Alaska Family Sonograms, Inc., your exam is performed with the utmost concern and compassion by a skilled and experienced sonographer. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call (907) 885-0390 or use our easy online form.