What can be expected with a Renal/Kidney ultrasound?
The kidneys are fist-sized organs located in the retro peritoneum — the space behind the intestines and other abdominal organs. They are responsible for cleansing the blood of waste products and producing urine. They also balance electrolytes in the body, such as sodium and potassium, while providing hormones necessary to regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production. There may be many indications for a renal ultrasound examination. Renal ultrasound studies are useful for demonstrating the size and position of the kidneys and are helpful in identifying obstruction of the kidney, kidney stones or masses in the kidney. Renal ultrasound does not require fasting, bowel preparation or a full bladder. The test is performed with the patient lying on their back on the examination table and a conducting gel is placed on the skin to facilitate transmission of the sound waves. The right kidney is imaged by placing the transducer over the right upper abdomen and evaluation of the left kidn
