A kidney ultrasound may be used to assess the size, location, and shape of the kidneys and related structures, such as the ureters and bladder.

An ultrasound can help in the detection of cysts, tumours, abscesses, obstructions, fluid collection, and infection within or around the kidneys. Calculi (stones) of the kidneys and ureters may be detected by ultrasound.

A kidney urinary tract ultrasound may be also be performed to assist in the placement of needles used to biopsy (obtain a tissue sample) the kidneys, to drain fluid from a cyst or abscess, or to place a drainage tube.

This procedure can be used to determine blood flow to the kidneys through the renal arteries and veins.

A urinary tract ultrasound may be recommended for people with:

Flank pain – While many things can cause pain in the flank (around the lower back area), it is also possible that damaged kidneys or the presence of kidney stones are causing it.

An ultrasound can accurately locate the kidneys and assess its overall condition.

Changes in urine – One of the tell-tale signs of a kidney problem is a change in the urine.

A kidney ultrasound may be recommended if the patient is passing too little urine even if the bladder feels full or if the patient urinates little amounts more frequently.

This procedure is also performed when the urine contains blood.

High creatinine – Creatinine, which comes from creatine, a molecule used by muscles to produce energy, can be measured by a blood test.

If creatinine is outside the normal range, it may indicate a problem with the kidneys.

Kidney disease – Tumours and cysts can develop in the kidneys resulting in acute or chronic conditions. Some people also acquire hereditary kidney disorders such as polycystic kidney disease, which can also be detected on ultrasound.

Transplanted kidneys – Kidney transplant is one of the most common surgeries carried out around the world. New kidneys should be constantly monitored since they are vulnerable to rejection or disease.

Since the procedure is non-invasive, it is safe and not painful. Depending on the results of the exam, the diagnosing doctor may request additional tests to confirm a diagnosis or formulate an individualised treatment plan.

Symptoms of a bladder infection are urgency and frequency in using the bathroom and burning with urination, while symptoms of a kidney infection are much more severe and include:

• Fever and chills (flu-like symptoms)
• Back, side (flank) or groin pain
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination
• Strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pus or blood in your urine (haematuria)
• Urine that smells bad or is cloudy

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have worrisome signs or symptoms listed on this page.

If you’re being treated for a urinary tract infection but your signs and symptoms aren’t improving, make an appointment.

Severe kidney issues can lead to life-threatening complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you have kidney symptoms combined with bloody urine or nausea and vomiting.

Urinary tract (or renal) ultrasounds are a reliable, safe and painless procedure to identify certain types of kidney and bladder issues such as:

• Signs of infection
• Kidney size
• Signs of injury to the kidneys
• Congenital abnormalities
• Presence of blockages or large kidney stones
• Cysts or tumours

We recommend having a full bladder prior to the test to ensure adequate examination of the bladder.

We kindly request if possible, to drink four to six glasses of liquid about an hour before the test to fill your bladder.

You will be asked to lie down on the ultrasound couch and to remove any clothing from your torso area.

You may also be asked to open your trousers to allow access to the bladder region. Some paper towels will be used to cover your clothing to protect it from the gel.

Ultrasound gel is placed onto the area being examined and a small handheld probe is placed over this gel, which helps to manoeuvre the probe across the torso.

You may be asked to breathe in and hold your breath a number of times. You may also be required to turn onto your side so that we can get views from multiple angles.

If your bladder is being scanned, you might need to take some images with a full bladder, void, then have additional images taken with an empty bladder.

Once the scan is completed, you will be given tissue to wipe away the gel and you can put your clothes back on.

The lights in the room will be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly and records of selected images will be made so that they can be viewed later.

They will then relay to you the results or any findings they might have and recommend additional steps you may need to take.