What Is a Kidney Ultrasound?
A Kidney Ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of one or both kidneys. It allows evaluation of the kidneys' size, shape, structure, and surrounding tissues without the use of radiation, needles, or contrast dye.
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This examination is commonly performed to investigate flank pain, blood in the urine, kidney stones, urinary obstruction, recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney cysts, masses, hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney), and other conditions affecting the kidneys. It may also be used to monitor previously diagnosed kidney abnormalities or evaluate changes over time.
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During the examination, images are typically obtained with you lying on your back and on your side to provide the best visualization of each kidney. Depending on the reason for the study, your bladder may also be briefly evaluated.
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A Kidney Ultrasound is a painless examination that typically takes 20–30 minutes to complete. It provides valuable diagnostic information while avoiding exposure to radiation, making it an excellent first-line imaging test for evaluating a wide variety of kidney conditions.
Why Is a Kidney Ultrasound Performed?
A Kidney Ultrasound is performed to evaluate the size, shape, structure, and overall health of the kidneys and to help identify the cause of symptoms or abnormal laboratory findings related to the urinary system. It provides detailed, real-time images that help diagnose a wide range of kidney conditions without the use of radiation.
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This examination is commonly performed to investigate flank pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), recurrent urinary tract infections, abnormal kidney function tests, kidney stones, urinary obstruction, or swelling of the kidneys (hydronephrosis). It can also evaluate kidney cysts, masses, congenital abnormalities, and changes in kidney size or appearance.
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A Kidney Ultrasound is frequently used to monitor previously diagnosed kidney conditions, follow up after treatment, or evaluate abnormalities identified during a physical examination or on other imaging studies. It is also commonly performed to assess kidney health in patients with chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions that may affect kidney function.
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Because ultrasound provides excellent visualization of the kidneys while avoiding radiation, contrast dye, and invasive procedures, it is often one of the first imaging tests recommended when a kidney problem is suspected. The results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and any additional evaluation that may be needed.
Common Reasons to Schedule a Kidney Ultrasound
A Kidney Ultrasound is performed to evaluate the kidneys and help identify the cause of symptoms, abnormal laboratory findings, or previously diagnosed kidney conditions. You may benefit from this examination if you are experiencing urinary symptoms, flank pain, or require follow-up evaluation of a known kidney abnormality.
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​Flank or side pain
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Blood in the urine (hematuria)
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Suspected kidney stones
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Hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney)
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Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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Abnormal kidney function tests
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Kidney cysts
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Kidney masses or tumors
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Enlarged or shrunken kidneys
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Congenital kidney abnormalities
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Suspected urinary obstruction
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Follow-up of previously diagnosed kidney disease
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Monitoring chronic kidney disease
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Evaluation of abnormal findings from another imaging study or physical examinationÂ
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A Kidney Ultrasound provides a detailed evaluation of the kidneys, helping identify structural abnormalities, blockages, stones, cysts, masses, and other conditions that may affect kidney health. It is a safe, painless, and radiation-free examination that provides valuable information to guide diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
What to Expect During Your Examination
A Kidney Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and noninvasive examination that typically takes 20–30 minutes to complete. During the study, you will lie comfortably on an examination table while an experienced ultrasound technologist performs the examination.
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To obtain the best images of your kidneys, you may be asked to lie on your back and on each side during different portions of the examination. A warm, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin, and the technologist will gently move a handheld transducer over your abdomen and sides to obtain detailed images of both kidneys.
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During the examination, you may be asked to take a deep breath and briefly hold your breath while images are being captured. These simple instructions help improve visualization of the kidneys by temporarily moving them into a better imaging position.
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The examination is generally very comfortable. You may feel mild pressure from the transducer, particularly if the area being examined is tender, but the procedure should not be painful. There are no needles, injections, contrast dye, or radiation involved.
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Depending on the reason for your examination, your bladder may also be briefly evaluated to provide additional information about your urinary system.
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Once all of the necessary images have been obtained, the gel will be wiped away, and your examination is complete. Your interpreting physician will review the images, and a report will be sent to your healthcare provider. If you scheduled your examination as a self-pay patient, we will explain how and when your results will be communicated.
How to Prepare for Your Kidney Ultrasound
Proper preparation helps ensure the clearest possible images of your kidneys and allows your examination to be completed efficiently. Depending on the reason for your study, you may be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
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Before Your Appointment
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✓ Drink 24–32 ounces (3–4 cups) of water about one hour before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.
✓ Do not empty your bladder before the examination if you have been asked to arrive with a full bladder. A full bladder may help improve visualization of the kidneys and urinary tract.
✓ You may eat and drink normally unless your healthcare provider has given you different instructions.
✓ Continue taking your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.
✓ Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen and sides.
✓ Bring any previous kidney imaging studies or reports if they were performed at another facility.
✓ Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork before your examination.
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Following these preparation instructions helps ensure the best possible visualization of your kidneys and allows your Kidney Ultrasound to be performed as accurately and efficiently as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a Kidney Ultrasound evaluate?
A: A Kidney Ultrasound evaluates the size, shape, structure, and appearance of one or both kidneys. It can help identify kidney stones, hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney), cysts, masses, congenital abnormalities, and other conditions affecting the kidneys.
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Q: Is the examination painful?
A: No. A Kidney Ultrasound is painless and noninvasive. You may feel mild pressure from the ultrasound transducer, especially if the area being examined is tender, but there are no needles, injections, or incisions.
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Q: How long does the examination take?
A: Most Kidney Ultrasound examinations take approximately 20–30 minutes to complete.
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Q: Do I need a full bladder for a Kidney Ultrasound?
A: In many cases, yes. Depending on the reason for your examination, you may be asked to drink water before your appointment and arrive with a comfortably full bladder. We will provide specific preparation instructions when you schedule your examination.
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Q: Can a Kidney Ultrasound detect kidney stones?
A: Yes. A Kidney Ultrasound can identify many kidney stones, as well as hydronephrosis (swelling caused by urinary obstruction), kidney cysts, masses, and other structural abnormalities. In some situations, additional imaging may be recommended if more detailed evaluation is needed.
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Q: Does the examination use radiation or contrast dye?
A: No. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images and does not involve radiation, X-rays, contrast dye, or injections.
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Q: Will my bladder also be examined?
A: Depending on the reason for your examination, your bladder may be briefly evaluated as part of the study to provide additional information about your urinary system.
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Q: Do I need a referral to schedule this examination?
A: No. You may schedule a Kidney Ultrasound with a referral from your healthcare provider or as a self-pay patient. Every examination is performed by an experienced ultrasound technologist and interpreted by a qualified physician. If you're unsure whether this examination is appropriate for your symptoms, our team is happy to help.
Schedule Your Kidney Ultrasound
If you're experiencing flank pain, blood in your urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, suspected kidney stones, abnormal kidney function, or other symptoms affecting your kidneys, a Kidney Ultrasound provides a fast, safe, and accurate evaluation of your kidney health.
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At Alpha Vascular and Ultrasound Center, we are committed to providing high-quality ultrasound examinations in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Whether your examination has been recommended by your healthcare provider or you are scheduling a self-pay evaluation, our experienced team is here to make the process simple and convenient.
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Scheduling your appointment is quick and easy through our online booking system. Select a time that works best for you, and we'll take care of the rest.
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If you are experiencing severe flank pain with fever, inability to urinate, heavy blood in your urine, severe abdominal pain, or other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, call 911 or seek emergency medical care rather than scheduling an outpatient ultrasound.
Why Choose Alpha Vascular?
Experienced Sonographer
Board-Certified Interpretation
Advanced Ultrasound Technology
