What is an ultrasound scan?
An Ultrasound scan builds up a picture of part of the inside of the body using sound waves of a frequency above the audible range of the human ear. A small hand-held sensor, which is
pressed carefully against the skin surface, both generates sound waves and detects any
echoes reflected back off the surfaces and tissue boundaries of internal organs. The sensor
can be moved over the skin to view the organ from different angles, the pictures being
displayed on a TV monitor screen and recorded for subsequent study.
Ultrasound images complement other forms of scans and are widely used for many different
parts of the body. They can be used to study blood flow and to detect any narrowing or
blockage of blood vessels, for example, in the neck.
What does Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan look at?
A detailed scan of both kidneys will be done and measurements taken. The bladder will be
assessed when it is full and then you may be asked to empty your bladder. The bladder will
then be re-scanned to see if the bladder is emptying properly.
Are there any risks involved in Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan?
No, there are no known risks and it is considered to be very safe.
Do I need to make any special preparation in advance before Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan?
In order for the scan to be successful, it is necessary for you to have a very full bladder. We
recommend that you drink at least two pints of water about 1 hour before the appointment time and then refrain from emptying your bladder in order to achieve this. If the bladder is not full enough at the time of the scan, you may be asked to wait for a short while for this to be
achieved. You are able to eat as normal.
What happens during Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan?
The sonographer will ask you some questions about your health and in particular your current symptoms. You will be invited to lie down on a couch, and the lights will be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly.
A gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be scanned, for example the abdomen. The
gel allows the sensor to slide easily over the skin and helps to produce clearer pictures.
Sometimes you will be on your back or you may be asked to turn on your side, lie flat on your
stomach or even to stand up during the examination. There is always help for those who find
this difficult.
You may be asked to take deep breaths and to hold your breath for a few moments. For a scan of the bladder, the bladder may occasionally not be full enough and you may be asked to drink more fluid. If your bladder is uncomfortably full you should tell the sonographer, so that this part of the examination can be completed as soon as possible.
The sonographer sits or stands beside you, slowly moving the sensor over your skin while viewing the images on the screen. Records of selected images will be made so that they can be viewed later. Upon completion, the gel will be wiped off and you will be free to get dressed.
Will Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan be uncomfortable?
Ultrasound itself does not produce discomfort and apart from the sensor on your skin you will
not feel anything. If a full bladder is required though, there may be some associated discomfort. Ultrasound is often carried out to try and find out the reason why a patient has severe abdominal or pelvic pain. In these circumstances, some pressure may be applied to the skin surface over an inflamed organ, for example, the gallbladder, to check what is causing the pain.
This may increase the amount of pain coming from that organ temporarily, but would be no
worse than, for example, being examined by a doctor on a ward.
How long will Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan take?
The process of carrying out a scan usually takes about 10 – 15 minutes. Unless you are
delayed, for example by emergency patients, your total time in Private Ultrasound Clinic is likely to be about 30 – 40 minutes.
Are there any Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan side effects?
No. You can drive home afterwards, and return to work as necessary. You can eat and drink normally after the scan.
When will I get my Kidneys and Bladder Ultrasound Scan results?
After the scan, the images will be examined further by the sonographer, who will prepare a report on the findings. This may take some time to reach your referring doctor, but is normally less than 1 working days. You could ask the sonographer how long it will take.
If you don’t already have an appointment to see your referring doctor, you should confirm with
the sonographer when you should obtain one.