A kidney ultrasound (renal ultrasound) is a non-invasive way to assess the structure of the kidneys and detect possible changes in them.
If you have kidney or urinary tract problems, you can continue tests at the clinic and consult a urologist.
Depending on the changes found and the doctor’s recommendations, additional urinary tract tests can be carried out at Baltic American Clinic.
If a urological condition is found, Baltic American Clinic specialists can continue its investigation and treatment and, where medically indicated, plan surgical treatment.
Diagnostics, specialist consultation and any further treatment needed can be organised at one clinic.
When is a kidney ultrasound recommended?
A kidney ultrasound may be recommended if:
- you have pain in the lower back or side;
- you have noticed blood in your urine;
- you have recurring problems with urination;
- you have recurrent urinary tract infections;
- kidney stones are suspected;
- blood or urine tests show changes that need further assessment;
- a kidney or urinary tract disease was found earlier and the doctor has recommended monitoring;
- the doctor has recommended a kidney ultrasound.
These symptoms can have different causes, so an ultrasound is one possible part of the diagnosis, and the doctor decides which tests are needed in your individual situation.
What can a kidney ultrasound assess?
Ultrasound assesses the structure, size and shape of the kidneys and any changes visible on ultrasound.
The examination can help to detect or assess kidney stones, cysts, signs of impaired urine drainage, structural changes or growths.
If changes are found during the examination, the doctor assesses whether additional tests or a specialist consultation are needed.
How is a kidney ultrasound performed?
A special gel is applied to the skin, and the doctor examines the kidneys with an ultrasound probe and assesses their condition.
A kidney ultrasound uses no ionising radiation and does not damage the skin.
How to prepare for a kidney ultrasound
Preparation may depend on the scope of the planned ultrasound – whether only the kidneys will be assessed or other parts of the urinary tract as well.
When booking the examination, it is important to follow the preparation instructions given by Baltic American Clinic. If the bladder is to be assessed as well, a full bladder may be needed.
If you have results of earlier kidney ultrasound, CT, MRI, blood or urine tests, it is worth having them with you at the examination.
Frequently asked questions
Does a kidney ultrasound show kidney stones?
Ultrasound can help to detect kidney stones and related changes in the urinary tract. However, not all stones or the changes they cause can be assessed equally accurately by ultrasound, so the doctor may recommend additional tests if needed.
Do I need to drink water before a kidney ultrasound?
This depends on the scope of the planned examination. If the bladder will be assessed as well, you may be asked to come with a full bladder. Follow the exact preparation instructions given to you when you book the examination.
Can I eat before a kidney ultrasound?
The preparation requirements depend on the scope of the planned ultrasound. You will receive specific preparation instructions when you book the examination.
Is a kidney ultrasound painful?
No. It is a non-invasive examination – the skin is not damaged, and the kidneys are examined with an ultrasound probe through the skin.
Can a kidney ultrasound be done during pregnancy?
Ultrasound uses no ionising radiation. If symptoms appear during pregnancy, see the doctor looking after your pregnancy or another doctor about the tests needed.
What happens if changes are found during a kidney ultrasound?
The next steps depend on the change found. The doctor may recommend additional tests, monitoring or a consultation with the relevant specialist. If a urological condition is found, you can continue investigation and treatment at Baltic American Clinic.
Kidney ultrasound price
The price of a kidney ultrasound is set by the Baltic American Clinic price list in force at the time.
If a specialist consultation, additional tests or treatment are needed after the examination, their price is calculated according to the services actually provided and the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.