Urinary tract ultrasound

When is a urinary tract ultrasound performed?

Urinary tract ultrasound evaluates the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and for men, the prostate gland.

Indications for the test are:

• abnormal results of a general urine test;
• bladder and kidney diseases;
• diseases of the prostate gland (prostate);
• suspicion of urolithiasis;
• abdominal pain or pain in the lumbar region;
• urinary disorders;
• hematuria;
• proteinuria;
• anuria. 

What does the examination involve?

Ultrasound examination uses the phenomenon of reflection of ultrasound waves from the structure of organs - it is a non-invasive technique, and the examination itself is painless and safe.

During the examination, the doctor applies a special gel to the abdomen of the patient or patient and the ultrasound head, which allows to obtain good quality images. The application of the gel may cause slight discomfort due to a cold and sticky feeling, but this passes as soon as the examination is completed and the skin is wiped. During the examination, the doctor moves the camera's head over the examined area, evaluating the image that appears on the monitor.

Important information

• The duration of the test is about 15-20 minutes.
• A referral for the test is not required. You should have the results of other urinary tract tests with you, if they have been performed.
• The result of the examination in the form of a medical description along with a photo is available immediately after the test.
• A prerequisite for proper performance of the examination is that the bladder must be filled beforehand.

Preparation for the examination 

• The day before the examination, you should follow an easily digestible diet excluding bloating foods, vegetables, fruits, dark bread and carbonated drinks.
• The day before the examination, you can take Espumisan (3 times 2 capsules each). The preparation is intended to remove air from the gastrointestinal tract, as it is an obstacle to ultrasound.
• 6 hours before the test, do not take food, smoke or chew gum.
• During the examination, the bladder should be filled. Therefore, about 1-1.5 liters of non-carbonated water should be drunk an hour before the test (the amount of fluid drunk should be adjusted according to individual factors). Do not urinate until the test has been performed.