What is a kidney ultrasound used to diagnose?

Your doctor recommended a kidney ultrasound so they can study detailed images of your kidneys. A kidney ultrasound offers your healthcare provider important information about what might be causing your symptoms.

The results from your ultrasound will help your provider make sure your kidneys are working as expected. If your provider notices anything suspicious, your results also help  diagnose the source of your symptoms, and to create a personalized plan for your care.

In this guide, we will let you know what to expect during your kidney ultrasound appointment, and how an ultrasound can help diagnose kidney stones, cysts, tumors, infections, or inflammation in the kidneys. 

How do I get ready for my kidney ultrasound appointment?

Please be sure to follow the directions your healthcare provider has given you. In some cases, your healthcare provider might ask you to drink extra water or refrain from eating a few hours before the scan, as a full bladder can sometimes provide clearer images. 

Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can make the process easier, since you may need to change into a medical gown for the scan. A gown makes it easier to access the area being scanned, and ensures your clothing doesn’t interfere with your results. 

What should I expect during a kidney ultrasound?

During your ultrasound, you’ll lie on an exam table, and your technologist will apply a clear gel to your skin. This special gel helps the handheld ultrasound device, called a transducer, to create clear images. During the scan, your technologist will gently glide the transducer across your skin.

The transducer sends soft sound waves into your body, creating a detailed picture of your kidneys, which your technologist can see on a monitor. You may feel some light pressure as the technologist moves the device over your abdomen, but it shouldn’t cause any discomfort. The entire process is painless and usually takes less than 30 minutes. 

Ultrasound scans are safe, and there are no known side effects, so you’ll be able to go about your day as usual once the scan is complete. Your doctor will be sent a report with your ultrasound images, your doctor will then get in touch to let you know the results.

Identifying kidney stones

Kidney stones are one of the most common conditions that a kidney ultrasound can help your provider to diagnose. Let’s look at what kidney stones are, how they develop, and how an ultrasound can help diagnose them.

How do kidney stones develop in your urinary system?

Kidney stones develop when certain natural substances become concentrated in your urine, and then form hard crystals. These crystals can gradually grow into kidney stones.

Sometimes, these stones remain in your kidneys without causing problems. However, if they move into the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder, then they can cause severe pain, block urine flow, and lead to infections. Dehydration, diet, and certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing kidney stones.

How does a kidney ultrasound help my provider to diagnose kidney stones?

A kidney ultrasound is a useful tool for detecting kidney stones because it can show detailed images of your kidneys and urinary tract in real-time. During the ultrasound, sound waves create images that help your provider see if there are any stones in your kidneys, or in other parts of your urinary system. An ultrasound can also help determine the size and location of kidney stones, which is important for deciding the best treatment options. 

Detecting kidney cysts and tumors

A kidney ultrasound can help your healthcare provider detect potential issues like cysts or tumors in your kidneys. Let’s look at what causes kidney cysts, as well as kidney tumors, and how an ultrasound could help your provider to locate them. 

Why do cysts and tumors develop in your kidneys?

Kidney cysts are typically fluid-filled sacs that can form as part of aging or due to certain conditions like polycystic kidney disease. Most cysts are benign (or non-cancerous) and may not cause symptoms, but if they grow larger, they can lead to discomfort or other health concerns. 

Tumors are abnormal growths of cells that can be either benign or malignant. Factors like genetics, history of smoking, and chronic kidney disease can increase the risk of developing a kidney tumor.

How can a kidney ultrasound help identify a cyst’s type and size?

A kidney ultrasound provides a detailed image of your kidneys, which helps your healthcare provider see if a cyst is present, and shows how large it is. It can distinguish between simple cysts, which are typically harmless, and more complex cysts that may require further evaluation. 

How does my provider use a kidney ultrasound to find and diagnose a tumor?

On your ultrasound results, your provider can see any solid masses or growths in the kidneys, which may indicate a tumor. An ultrasound shows the size, shape, and location of the tumor. 

If the tumor appears suspicious, your provider might recommend additional tests or treatments based on the ultrasound results. Early detection of tumors through ultrasound can make a significant difference in your treatment plan and overall health outcomes.

Diagnosing kidney infections and inflammation

Kidney infections and inflammation can be causes of discomfort, but they can also be serious health concerns. We will let you know what causes kidney infections, how an ultrasound can locate an infection of the kidneys, and how an ultrasound scan helps diagnose an inflamed kidney.

What causes a kidney to become infected or inflamed?

A kidney infection, known as pyelonephritis, often starts with a bacterial infection in the bladder that travels up to the kidneys. It can cause intense pain, fever, nausea, and other symptoms. In some cases, untreated infections can lead to kidney damage. 

Inflammation of the kidneys, or nephritis, can be caused by infections or immune system issues that trigger swelling. Nephritis may develop slowly over time or suddenly, leading to a range of symptoms including blood in the urine, swelling, and high blood pressure. 

How can a kidney ultrasound detect signs of infection in the kidneys?

When you have a kidney infection, the ultrasound may show swelling, fluid buildup, or changes in your kidney’s size. This imaging can help your provider pinpoint where the infection is occurring, and whether it’s affecting one kidney or both kidneys. An ultrasound also helps your healthcare provider to assess the severity of the infection, and to monitor any potential complications, like abscesses or blockages.

How does an ultrasound diagnose inflammation in a kidney?

For kidney inflammation, an ultrasound can detect enlargement of the kidneys, or irregularities in the kidney tissue, that suggest inflammation is present. By capturing detailed images of your kidneys, an ultrasound helps your provider assess whether the inflammation is due to infection, an immune system response, or another underlying condition. 

How to schedule your scan with us

When you get your scan at a Gateway Diagnostic Imaging center, we’ll make sure you have access to affordable, high-quality medical imaging from sub-specialized radiologists and certified technologists. 

Reach out to a Gateway imaging center near you, and schedule your appointment today.