(Renal Ultrasound, Kidney Ultrasonography, Kidney Echography)
What is a kidney ultrasound? A kidney ultrasound is a
noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess
the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. Ultrasound
technology allows quick visualization of the kidneys and related
structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to
assess blood flow to the kidneys. A kidney ultrasound uses a
handheld probe called a transducer that sends out ultrasonic
sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the
transducer is placed on the abdomen at certain locations and
angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and
other body tissues to the organs and structures of the abdomen.
The sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo and return to
the transducer. The transducer picks up the reflected waves,
which are then converted into an electronic picture of the
organs. Different types of body tissues affect the speed at
which sound waves travel. Sound travels the fas