How to Read Renal Ultrasound Results

Ultrasound imaging uses a hand-held device called a "transducer" to send sound waves into the body. These sound waves reflect off the body organs being examined, revealing the structure of the tissues on a computer screen. Your doctor may ask you to get a renal ultrasound to test the health of your kidneys and bladder if lab reports indicate a renal problem, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the renal area, or if she suspects the presence of kidney stones. Renal ultrasound is a noninvasive, painless and easy procedure that your doctor may perform, or he may direct you to another facility that performs ultrasounds. After the sonographer (ultrasound technician) obtains ultrasound pictures of your renal area, a radiologist reviews these pictures and sends her evaluation results to your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Appointment with your health care provider

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Instructions

• 1

  Call your doctor's office and check to see whther he has received the radiology report for your renal ultrasound.

• 2

  Ask to speak to your doctor about your renal ultrasound report if your doctor's office already has the results.

• 3

  Discuss the radiologist's interpretation of your renal ultrasound with your doctor. Radiologists are trained to read ultrasound pictures and to write reports of their findings. If your renal ultrasound report is normal, your kidneys and bladder are healthy. If the radiologist notes a problem on your renal ultrasound, such as a blood clot, a stone or swelling in one or both of your kidneys, your doctor may want to perform additional testing for diagnosis and treatment.