Pictures of the kidney are taken with sound waves, not x-rays.
You may eat, drink, and take medications as you usually do.
You will be asked to lie on an exam table. Warm gel will be applied to your abdomen which helps to optimize the images. Pictures will be seen on a computer screen during the exam.
You may be asked to wait while the images are reviewed.
The pictures are reviewed by the radiologist and the results are sent to your doctor. The results cannot be given to you by the sonographer administering the test.
Your doctor may have also ordered a bladder sonogram. This is done to check for abnormalities in the bladder and to check how well your bladder empties.
If you have any questions, call your physician or call the UPMC Hamot Ultrasound Department at 814-877-2258.
If you cannot keep your appointment, please call our scheduling department at 814-877-6123 to reschedule.