Did you feel a little scared when your doctor told you to have an ultrasound scan of your kidneys? It's very normal to have thoughts like, "Oh, will this hurt? I don't know if it's a serious illness." But there's really no reason for you to be scared. This is a very simple, painless, and very safe test. Today, we'll talk about it all clearly and simply. This article will answer all your questions.
What is a kidney ultrasound?
Simply put, this is a special scan to look at your kidneys and bladder. Another name for this is ``Renal Ultrasound``.
Think of it this way: the two kidneys in our body are like two filters. They filter out the waste products in our blood and expel them from the body as urine (pee). The urine that is produced is then stored in the bladder for a while. So, keeping these two kidneys and the bladder healthy is very important for the health of our entire body.
This ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves that we cannot hear to create a clear picture of your kidneys and bladder on a computer screen. By looking at these pictures, the doctor can get a good idea of the condition of your kidneys.
Why are we being asked to do this scan?
If your doctor suspects that you have a problem with your kidneys, they will order this scan to confirm the diagnosis. Usually, the bladder is also examined during this scan. You can get a good idea of this by looking at the table below.
| Reason for the scan | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Kidney stones | Check for kidney or urinary tract stones. These can cause severe back pain. |
| Kidney infection | Check to see if the kidneys are infected or swollen due to a germ. |
| Blockage or obstruction | Check to see if there is any blockage or obstruction anywhere in the urinary tract. |
| Kidney tumor | Find out if there is an abnormal tumor growth in the kidneys. |
| Kidney cysts | Check for fluid-filled, harmless cysts inside. |
| Abscess | Check to see if pus has collected and formed a boil due to an infection. |
| Accumulation of urine (Hydronephrosis) | Check to see if the urine is not flowing down properly and is pooling inside the kidneys and swelling. |
| Change in the size or shape of the kidneys | Check to see if the size or shape of the kidneys is normal or if there is a difference. |
In addition, this scan is also used to examine a small piece of tissue from a kidney (kidney biopsy) or to check the condition of a transplanted kidney.
How does this scan work? It's amazing!
The functionality of this is very simple and surprising.
The most important thing is, it is 100% safe, nothing is injected into the body, and there is no pain.
The person doing the scan will place a small device called a transducer on your skin and move it back and forth. This device emits sound waves that we can't hear. These sound waves travel through your skin, hit organs inside, like your kidneys, and bounce back. It's like a ball hitting a wall and bouncing back.
The sound waves, or echoes, that come back are picked up by the transducer and sent to a computer. The computer converts these echoes into clear images and displays them on a screen. The doctor can then look at these images to identify any problems in the kidneys.
How should I prepare before the scan?
Most of the time, no special preparation is required for this scan. You can eat and drink normally. However, sometimes the doctor may ask you to come without eating anything the morning of the scan. Only do so if you are given special instructions.
But there is something very important!
If the doctor also wants to check your bladder, you should drink plenty of water (about two large bottles) and not urinate for about an hour before the scan. This means that your bladder should be completely full when you go for the scan. This is called a ``post-void residual urine test (PVR)``. This can give you a good idea of how well your bladder is functioning.
If you have any doubts about this, it's best to call the place where the scan is being performed beforehand and ask.
What happens during the scan? Let's find out step by step.
Performing the scan is a very simple and orderly process.
1. First, you will be asked to wear a special garment given to you by the hospital.
2. Then you will be made to lie down on an examination table.
3. Next, the technician or radiologist who is doing the scan will apply a special gel to the skin on your abdomen or back. This is a water-like gel. It will feel a little cold at first , but it will not harm your skin, and it can be washed off if it gets on your clothes.
4. Then, the transducer is placed over the gel-coated area and moved back and forth, pressing it very gently.
5. Take clear pictures, sometimes you'll be told to "hold your breath" or "turn to the side."
6. They will take some pictures of your bladder when it is full, and then ask you to go to the toilet and urinate. Then, they will take some pictures after your bladder is empty. This will help to see if your bladder is completely empty.
The entire test takes about 20 to 30 minutes .
What happens after the scan?
Once the scan is complete, you can go home and continue your normal activities.
The scan report is usually available within a day or two . Your doctor will then review the report, explain the results to you, and advise you on what to do next, if necessary.
Some questions that worry you too and their answers
Let's talk about some other questions you may have about this scan.
Is there any risk in this?
Absolutely not. There are no risks or side effects to an ultrasound scan. It uses sound waves, not radiation that is harmful to the body like an X-ray. Therefore, it is a very safe test, even for pregnant women.
Does this show a kidney tumor?
Yes. This scan can clearly identify a cyst, tumor, or other abnormal growth in a kidney.
What is a "black spot" seen on the scan?
If something appears black on the scan, it means that the sound waves have passed through it without being reflected back. This usually happens when there is something liquid or non-solid. So what appears as a black spot on the kidney could be a fluid-filled cyst or abscess . If your doctor wants to look into it further, he or she can order other tests.
What time should I call the doctor?
If you have any questions or doubts about how to prepare for the scan, the report, or the results, don't hold anything back and ask your doctor .
Take-Home Message
- A kidney ultrasound is a very safe test that uses sound waves and is painless and risk-free .
- This helps identify many problems, such as kidney stones, infections, tumors, and blockages.
- In most cases, it is important to drink plenty of water and keep your bladder full before the scan.
- The entire test takes about 20-30 minutes .
- Always talk to your doctor about the test results and next steps. Don't be afraid or keep things to yourself.
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