Kidney health is important for keeping up our overall well being. Optimal kidney function helps in maintaining the proper functioning of the body.

You might be aware of kidney ultrasound.

Never heard of it? Well, kidney ultrasound is an important tool to check the kidney health of an individual. It identifies the problems within the kidneys.

Do you know why kidney ultrasound is important? Wondering how it works?

Mykare Health is here to provide you with the specifics of kidney ultrasound. We will give an insight into why ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool.

What Is Kidney Ultrasound?

Kidney ultrasound or renal ultrasound is a technique that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. It also creates images of surrounding organs or structures.

• Kidney ultrasound can evaluate the size, location, shape, and blood flow of the kidneys.

• It can also identify if there is any other injury, kidney stones, or tumour in the kidneys. It also includes the bladder.

• Kidney ultrasound is also a non-invasive tool. So it causes only minimal risk to the patients.

In short, kidney ultrasound is a safe procedure which monitors kidney conditions and provides vital information of the organ.

Procedure Of Kidney Ultrasound

What happens during a kidney ultrasound? Here you go:

During the procedure, the doctor will make you lie on your back or sides. It depends on the requirements. The ultrasound technologist will apply a water based gel on the skin. It will be in the area where the kidney is located.

The use of this gel will help in a smooth transmission of the sound waves. A probe is then placed on the skin. The technologist will move it around the area. It will help in getting images of various sections of the kidneys.

The area where the probe will be placed will change depending on which view is needed by the doctor. The computer device will measure all the sound waves.

You may get asked to hold your breath a few times during the procedure. It is to get clear images of the sound waves. The sound waves are converted into images in real time. It will be shown on the monitor near the examination table.

You will not feel any pain during the procedure. A mild pressure in the area may occur.

The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes. The acquired images are then passed on to the doctor for further evaluation.

Purpose Of Kidney Ultrasound

There are many reasons why a doctor might suggest a kidney ultrasound. Common purposes of kidney ultrasound include:

• Evaluation of kidneys: Kidney ultrasound evaluates the size and structure of the kidneys. It checks if the kidneys are healthy or not.

• Detection of abnormalities: Kidney ultrasound is also used to check kidney cysts, tumours, and kidney stones. Timely detection will help in receiving early treatment.

• Monitoring functions: Kidney ultrasound can evaluate if the kidneys are working properly. It can also assess the blood flow in the kidneys from the veins and renal arteries.

• Evaluation after kidney transplant: Doctors also suggest kidney ultrasounds for people who had kidney transplants. It is to assess the functions of the kidney. If there is any complication with the transplanted kidney, ultrasound can detect it.

Kidney Ultrasound: How To Prepare?

The doctor will tell you the steps to take to prepare yourself for the kidney ultrasound.

Here’s what you will be asked to do.

There is no specific diet to follow for kidney ultrasound. But, if your doctor suggests a specific diet, you should follow it. You should also follow other instructions if given.

Hydration is important before ultrasound. The doctor might suggest drinking a lot of water before the procedure.

You should not urinate before the ultrasound. Methods such as fasting or sedation are not needed in kidney ultrasound. If you have any queries feel free to ask the doctor. They will give you the necessary instructions.

In some cases, doctors may suggest other preparation methods. It will be according to your condition. Make sure to wear loose clothes.

If you are taking any medications, make sure to inform your doctor. Some medicines may need to be discontinued. It can affect the kidneys during ultrasound.

Benefits And Risks Of Kidney Ultrasound

• Non-invasive: Kidney ultrasound is a non-invasive method. It does not cause any discomfort. This method does not use needles or any other tools.

• No exposure of radiation: Kidney ultrasound does not use any tools that emit radiation. The lack of exposure to radiation makes it a suitable procedure.

• Safety: Kidney ultrasound is a safe procedure. It can even be used in pregnant women as this may not cause any discomfort.

• Cost-effectiveness: Comparatively, kidney ultrasound is the most cost-effective method. It is the most preferred choice by people due to this reason.

• Real-time imaging: Kidney ultrasound provides real-time imaging. It helps the doctors in observing the movement and nature of the organs and blood flow.

There are no severe risks associated with kidney ultrasound. However, there can be certain barriers based on certain conditions of the individual.

If a person has severe obesity or intestinal gas, the kidney ultrasound will be less accurate. Also, if the individual has barium in their intestines due to a barium test, that can make the ultrasound less accurate.