Renal Ultrasound
Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your kidney. Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. This procedure is used to detect a mass, cyst, kidney stone or other obstruction in the kidney. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound radiology.
Before Your Exam
- There is no preparation for this procedure.
- We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Please consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass any time you may need to wait.
- Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
During Your Exam
- The ultrasound technologist will explain your exam and answer any questions you may have.
- Your procedure will be performed with you lying on the examination table on your back.The technologist may ask you to turn on your side to get a better view of your kidneys.
- The technologist will apply warm gel to your abdomen.
- A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, will be placed over various locations on your abdomen. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath intermittently during the exam. If needed, the technologist may ask you to use the restroom to empty your bladder and additional images will be taken afterwards.
- You will not feel any pain; however you will feel mild pressure from the transducer.
- Sound waves will bounce off the muscle, tissue and organs in your body and the blood moving in your new kidney. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer.
- A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electronic signals. These images may be viewed immediately or photographed for further study.
- Your exam will take approximately 20 minutes.
After Your Exam
- There are no post-exam instructions.
- Your study will be reviewed by an ultrasound specialist and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
- If you have any problems related to your procedure, please call 310-423-8000.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 310-423-8000.
The S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center provides a full range of advanced imaging, both radiology and cardiology, as well as interventional radiology and interventional tumor (oncology) treatments to the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Mid-Cities, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Studio City, Toluca Lake, and West Hollywood.