This test uses sound waves to study the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. Ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.
The test is done to look for:
The test is also done to look at:
There are no complications associated with this test.
You will lie on a table. A gel will be put on your belly over your bladder and kidneys. The gel helps the sound waves travel between the machine and your body.
The ultrasound machine has a hand-held instrument called a transducer. It looks like a microphone or wand. The transducer is pushed against your skin where the gel was applied. The transducer sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your internal organs and echo back to the transducer. The echoes are converted into images that are shown on a screen. The images are examined. A photograph of them may be made.
The gel will be wiped from your belly.
30-45 minutes
No
Your images will be viewed by your doctor or radiologist. Problems in your organs may be detected. Blockages may be seen in the ureters. In this case, more tests may be done to find the exact problem and cause.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about the test, your condition, or your test results.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Kidney Foundation
Health Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Imaging of the urinary tract. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/imagingut/index.aspx. Updated May 24, 2012. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Nephrolithiasis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114904/Nephrolithiasis. Updated July 17, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.