Renal Ultrasound
Kidney and urinary tract ultrasound at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Safe, radiation-free assessment of the kidneys and bladder. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
What Does a Renal Ultrasound Show?
A renal ultrasound examines the kidneys, ureters and bladder. It is the standard first-line investigation for kidney and urinary symptoms — safe, painless and suitable for repeated monitoring because it involves no radiation.
A renal ultrasound can assess:
- Kidney stones and their effect on urine drainage
- Swelling of the kidney caused by obstruction (hydronephrosis)
- Kidney cysts, including polycystic kidney disease
- Solid masses within the kidney
- Kidney size and appearance in chronic kidney disease
- Bladder wall thickness and bladder volume
- How completely the bladder empties after passing urine
- A transplanted kidney, including its blood supply
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, renal ultrasound is performed by experienced sonographers and reported by specialist radiologists.
Common Reasons for Referral
Renal ultrasound is one of the most commonly requested investigations in general practice.
Common reasons for referral include:
- Blood in the urine
- Loin or flank pain, or suspected kidney stones
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Abnormal kidney blood tests, such as a rising creatinine or falling eGFR
- Investigation of high blood pressure
- Difficulty passing urine, or a sense of incomplete emptying
- Monitoring known kidney cysts or a previously identified abnormality
- Routine surveillance of a transplanted kidney
Your ultrasound gives your doctor clear information to guide the next step, whether that is treatment, monitoring or further imaging.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
Preparation for a renal ultrasound is simple but important — a full bladder is usually needed for clear images of the bladder itself.
How to prepare:
- Drink one litre of water approximately one hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder.
- If your referral includes the upper abdomen as well, fasting for six hours may also be required — our team will confirm when you book.
- Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing.
On the day:
- You will lie on your back and be asked to roll onto each side so both kidneys can be seen clearly.
- Warm gel is applied and a small probe is moved over your abdomen and lower back.
- You may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it briefly.
- You may then be asked to empty your bladder and return for a short second scan, which measures how much urine remains.
- The scan takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes and is painless.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor within 24 to 48 hours. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM