An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that transmits through body tissues and provides an echo in return, showing up as a real-time video or photographic images. Renal ultrasounds detect and confirm any conditions related to the kidneys, bladder and ureters. Ultrasound procedures provide guidance for the patient and enables accurate diagnostic testing.
Avoid Eating
Don't eat for eight to 12 hours before the test in avoidance of gas buildup in the intestines, reports RadiologyInfo.org. The gas can interfere with the renal ultrasound test.
Full Bladder
Mount Sinai Medical Center recommends drinking four to six glasses of water about an hour before the ultrasound; to have a full bladder for the test. Don't empty the bladder until after the ultrasound procedure or at the discretion of the attending technologist.
Remove Clothing
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the ultrasound exam and plan on changing into a gown before the procedure. The gown provides easier access to the abdomen and allows for a smoother exam.
Remove Jewelry
Consider leaving all valuables, such as jewelry, at home. An ultrasound requires the removal of all jewelry before the exam.
Examination Table
Most ultrasound exams involve the patient lying on the examination table in a face-up position, according to RadiologyInfo.org. The examination table includes padding and tilts or moves if needed.
Gel Application
The ultrasound technologist or radiologist applies a clear, water-soluble gel on the abdomen over the bladder and kidneys, because the gel helps the sound waves travel between the machine and the body. The technologist uses a hand-held instrument called a transducer and presses firmly on the abdomen over the top of the gel, while sweeping over various locations or the area of interest. The transducer sends the sound waves and records the echoing waves, displaying the sound waves as images on a screen. The technologist takes photographs of the images for later examination by a radiologist.
After Exam
The technologist wipes off the gel placed on the abdomen. Changing back into the clothing worn before the procedure usually happens while the radiologist reviews the results of the ultrasound. A renal ultrasound exam typically takes 40 minutes to complete, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Results
A radiologist analyzes the images and sends a signed report to the primary care physician or the referring physician. The physician discusses the test results and the detection of any problems or abnormalities. The renal ultrasound can provide an adequate amount of information that the reviewing physician uses in determining an appropriate plan of care.
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