Preparing for an ultrasound examination of the kidneys: can you eat and drink before the procedure?

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the kidneys is a classic diagnostic method that allows a patient to safely and painlessly assess the condition of the kidneys, identify possible pathologies and take timely measures to eliminate them.

There are two types of kidney ultrasound:

• Ultrasonography is an ultrasound diagnostic method that reveals various changes in kidney tissue, inflammatory processes, tumors, cystic formations, stones and other pathologies;
• Doppler ultrasound (USD) – ultrasound of the renal vessels visualizes various lesions of the renal blood vessels: thrombosis, stenosis (narrowing), trauma, etc.

Note: An ultrasound examination of the kidneys does not cause any harm to the human body - it does not use X-rays or magnetic fields. Therefore, the procedure is prescribed for adults and children, including newborns, elderly people and pregnant women. It is allowed to perform ultrasound of the kidneys even in patients with pacemakers and insulin pumps. The frequency and number of examinations have no restrictions.

About food

Changing your eating habits will make it easier for your organs to function. An unloaded digestive system and kidneys are easier to study. This will help the doctor make the most accurate diagnosis possible. The diet is made up of products that are easily processed by the digestive tract.

You can eat the following ready-made meals and products:

• porridges cooked in water (milk and cream bases are excluded);
• chicken, turkey, rabbit, lean fish, cooked by stewing or boiling;
• cheese and cottage cheese with low fat content;
• boiled or stewed vegetables;
• boiled eggs;
• light, non-rich soups.

The diet before a kidney ultrasound is aimed, first of all, at avoiding foods that cause flatulence. The accumulation of gases in the intestinal cavity is an obstacle to the free passage of ultrasound, and distorts the image of the digestive organs and urinary system on the monitor of the ultrasound machine.

Before the study, you should exclude from your diet:

• legume source of vegetable protein (peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans);
• pickled, raw, pickled cabbage;
• whole fresh milk;
• yeast baked goods;
• fruits: pears, apples, grapes;
• raw vegetables: radishes, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes;
• sweet dessert dishes;
• chocolate;
• sausage, frankfurters;
• whole grain flour products, including bread.

The consumption of heavy foods is also subject to restrictions. Not recommended: fatty pork, fish and meat prepared by smoking, potato dishes, canned foods, including marinades and pickles, fatty mayonnaise-based sauces and ketchups, seeds, dried fruits, any nuts.

Dietary nutrition for 2–6 days will allow the doctor to assess in detail the condition of the abdominal cavity and kidneys, and speed up the examination process itself. Meals include small portions at 3-4 hour intervals.

The culinary method of processing food by frying is not recommended. Meat, vegetables, fish should be boiled, stewed or baked in foil, and steam cooking should also be used. Herbal and vitamin decoctions will be useful.

The main question of the preparatory period is whether it is possible to eat before an ultrasound? In the case when an ultrasound examination of the kidneys is prescribed in conjunction with ultrasound diagnostics of the abdominal cavity, it is necessary to maintain a fasting regime of 8 to 12 hours. During this time, the gastrointestinal tract will have time to process food. In this case, the evening meal should be light and consist of easily digestible dishes.

This can be any water-based porridge, boiled or steamed fish of not very fatty varieties (pollock, hake), stewed vegetables (excluding cabbage). Is it possible to eat before an ultrasound of the kidneys, when a separate examination of these organs is performed? If the ultrasound is scheduled for the afternoon, a breakfast that is easy on the stomach is allowed. When diagnosing in the morning, it is better to refuse breakfast.

For preschool children, the food restriction before diagnosis is at least five hours. Breastfed babies are examined no later than half an hour after feeding. To avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should not overeat after the procedure. A large meal after a diet can cause dyspepsia (painful and difficult digestion) and difficulties with bowel movements.

Limiting certain foods is necessary to prevent gas formation in the intestines.

If further examination is required

The kidney ultrasound procedure is rarely performed without examining other adjacent organs. The doctor tries to immediately look and identify the overall picture of the functioning of the entire urinary system. Therefore, an examination of the adrenal glands is often prescribed along with an ultrasound of the kidneys. How to prepare in this case?

Preparation for this type of diagnosis should include all the same points as for a regular ultrasound. Following a diet, avoiding certain types of foods and having a full bladder are fundamental factors. However, in some cases, a specialist may say that no preparation is required, then it is better to follow his recommendations.

About the liquid

The drinking regime during the preparatory period should be plentiful and regular. You are allowed to drink water, green or weak black tea, diluted fruit drinks and juices without pulp. It is prohibited to consume sweet soda and kvass containing yeast, as these drinks provoke gas formation. Immediately before diagnosis, the bladder should be full.

This recommendation is especially relevant if examination of this organ is planned along with the kidneys. It would be a good idea to prepare water in advance so that you can drink it immediately before the ultrasound diagnostic room.

How much water should you drink for the procedure to show optimal results? Doctors are of the opinion that one liter will be enough. The main thing is not to empty your bladder, otherwise drinking beforehand loses its meaning.

If the digestive tract is stable, before the study it is enough to take carminatives for two days: activated carbon (1 tablet per 10–15 kg of weight) or Espumisan (capsule three times a day).

For patients with digestive problems (regular bloating, constipation), it is recommended to add an enema procedure to the medications the evening before the ultrasound (enema is prohibited on the day of diagnosis). You can do a regular enema, 2 liters in volume, or use the modern Microlax microenema. If it is not possible to give an enema, then you should resort to the help of mild laxatives (Guttalax, Fitolysin).

For the smooth functioning of the digestive tract, it would be useful to use enzyme medications that improve digestion. Mezim, Pancreatin, Festal should be taken one tablet during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Correctly fulfilled preparation conditions enable the doctor to easily diagnose diseases of the kidneys and other organs responsible for the process of urine excretion.

If the doctor suspects the presence of not only renal pathologies, but also a deviation from the norm in the functioning of adjacent vessels, a special type of diagnosis is prescribed - ultrasound with Doppler (duplex). Double examination is more effective. It allows you to identify changes directly in the organ, the speed of blood flow and the cleanliness of blood vessels (the presence of blood clots, atherosclerotic growths on the vascular walls, expansion or narrowing of the vascular system of the kidneys).

The doctor will tell the patient about the necessary preparation before the test

Ultrasound evaluates the general anatomical structure of the organ in the same way. In the postoperative period, ultrasound is performed to monitor the results of the intervention. Duplex scanning of the kidneys is not performed if examination of other organs of the digestive system is scheduled on the same day, as well as if there are lesions on the epidermis in the area of ​​the organs being examined. If Doppler sonography was prescribed, compliance with preparatory measures for the procedure remains unchanged.

You should not eat before vascular examination, regardless of whether the procedure is morning or evening. Duplex allows you to identify diseases in the initial period of their development, when the patient may not be aware of their presence. Ultrasound is performed on an outpatient basis. Treatment is prescribed by a therapist or nephrologist in accordance with the examination results. If the disease cannot be determined by ultrasound, the doctor refers the patient to tomographic diagnostics of the kidneys (MRI and CT).

How to prepare for an ultrasound of the kidneys so that the ultrasound doctor can examine them well and make an accurate diagnosis - we will analyze the answer to this question in detail in the article. In this case, it is the absence of any interference from the intestines and other structures of the abdominal cavity that will help the sonologist to form an adequate picture of the condition of this most important paired organ. This study can be carried out as a routine annual examination - against the background of complete health or existing chronic pathology.

Carrying out the procedure in children

Instead of plain water, you can drink juice, fruit drink, tea or compote.
It is not recommended to drink lemonade or milk drinks. This procedure does not pose a risk to the health of children. This examination is carried out for screening purposes even in newborns at 1-2 months.

For other children, this procedure is prescribed if necessary. Before performing an ultrasound of the kidneys, the child also requires preparation.

In case of increased gas formation in children, children's medications are prescribed, such as Espumisan, Plantex.

For children who can control urination, it is advisable to have an ultrasound scan of a full bladder. To do this, you need to go to the toilet an hour before, and drink the required amount of liquid over the next hour. It will be enough to consume about 10 ml per 1 kg of baby’s weight.

Strenina E.F., pediatrician, doctor of the highest category, "Center for Children's Medicine", Nizhny Novgorod

I would like to note that non-invasive kidney examination has saved the lives of many young patients. The big plus is that this study is absolutely safe for children and has no harmful effects on the body.

I would like to advise mothers not to be lazy and conduct a full examination of newborn babies . Ultrasound of the kidneys does not require special preparation of the newborn child for the procedure. It is enough to feed him half an hour before the test.

Timely diagnosis of birth defects and developmental disorders will help begin timely treatment and correct the functioning of these important organs.

How to properly prepare for a kidney ultrasound

There are also the following indications for this ultrasound diagnostic:

1. Pain or discomfort in the lumbar region (simultaneously with a general urine test).
2. A detected increase in blood pressure.
3. Changes in the color, quantity and nature of urine.
4. For diseases of the endocrine system.
5. Fever, chills, weakness, lower back pain radiating to the groin and thigh.
6. After a kidney transplant.
7. After a lumbar injury.
8. Detection of large amounts of any salts in the urine.
9. In children - as a routine examination to detect congenital anomalies of organ development.
10. Pain associated with urination.

The same indications apply to the urinary system. Ultrasound of the adrenal glands may be prescribed in the following cases:

• arterial hypertension
• obesity
• muscle weakness
• infertility
• rule out adrenal tumor
• other manifestations of increased or, conversely, decreased adrenal function.

Ultrasound of the adrenal glands and kidneys should be postponed if there are open wounds in the abdominal area and sterile dressings are applied. Also, this study should be performed later than 24 hours after an X-ray examination of the intestine with barium.

Preparation for ultrasound diagnostics of the kidneys and urinary system

The doctor who will conduct the study should tell you how to prepare for a kidney ultrasound.

He knows exactly what causes the most difficulties in organ imaging and can explain how to avoid it.

Below is a standardized protocol for preparing for a kidney and adrenal test in the form of answers and questions.

Additional recommendations

You should not smoke on the day of the test. The entry of nicotine into the blood negatively affects blood flow, which is especially undesirable during Doppler diagnostics.

Often, an ultrasound of the kidneys is combined with an examination of the bladder, which should be full at the time of the procedure. To do this, drink a liter of water two hours before the test and do not urinate.

Be careful with medications. You cannot refuse to use vital medications only in the following conditions:

• diabetes mellitus of the first and second types;
• during hormone replacement therapy of any kind;
• bronchial asthma, epilepsy;
• hypertension (persistent increase in blood pressure);
• arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances).

All medications certainly pass through the kidneys, and therefore can, to a certain extent, affect their functioning.

A few days before the kidney ultrasound, it is better to stop taking most medications. If you are taking any medications, be sure to inform your doctor at the time of scheduling the examination.

The doctor recommends that the patient take medications to prepare for an ultrasound:

With a tendency to flatulence. Prescribed drugs that eliminate gas formation (Smecta, Espumisan, Meteospasmil, activated carbon, etc.). These medications must be taken the evening before the test.

If you are prone to flatulence, on the recommendation of a doctor on the eve of a kidney ultrasound, you can take a packet of Smecta

Ultrasound imaging of the kidneys in adults and children is performed the same way, so there are no differences in preparation. It is not advisable for women to undergo testing during menstruation, but they can if necessary.

When should you do a kidney ultrasound?

The basis of kidney ultrasound is the use of a high-frequency sound signal, which helps to clearly visualize the organ. The examination does not cause any pain and is completely safe. The correctness of the conclusions about the results obtained depends on the experience and level of professionalism of the doctor, so it is better to undergo the procedure in trusted medical institutions.

Ultrasound is performed for various diseases of the urinary system, in the presence of oncological processes, after kidney organ transplantation. Doctors recommend that healthy people undergo an ultrasound examination once a year for prevention. Main indications for kidney ultrasound:

• infectious diseases (cystitis, pyelonephritis);
• poor urine test;
• enuresis;
• renal colic;
• sharp pain in the lower back.

Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder in children

Using this study, the structure, size and anatomy of the organs of the children's urinary system are assessed. Kidney ultrasound in children reveals diseases such as:

• congenital anomalies of the urinary system and the vessels supplying it;
• sand, stones;
• abscesses;
• cysts;
• tumors;
• enlargement of the renal pelvis;
• various inflammations.

Pediatricians prescribe an ultrasound for a child if a urine test reveals a large amount of urates or oxalates, if there is discomfort and pain during urination, or if blood is found in the urine. The procedure is prescribed for a newborn child if a neoplasm or compaction is felt in the retroperitoneal space, and there is a suspicion of an anomaly in the development of internal organs. Doctors often advise performing an ultrasound on a child if there are pathologies of the urinary organs in his close relatives.

Ultrasound of the kidneys during pregnancy

Ultrasound examination is not mandatory for women while pregnant, but is done frequently. During pregnancy, kidney pathologies are common, because the urinary organs work more intensely, the load increases, which provokes inflammation and exacerbation of chronic pathologies. Ultrasound of the kidneys in pregnant women is indicated in the following cases:

• abnormal urine test;
• the presence of any renal pathologies;
• back injuries;
• endocrine diseases;
• increased blood pressure;
• blood or unusual color of urine;
• violation of the act of urination;
• lower back pain.

Indications

The attending physician (therapist, urologist, nephrologist, surgeon, oncologist) can prescribe an ultrasound of the kidneys if any pathology of the urinary system is suspected, as well as in the diagnostic program for the underlying disease, if disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys are its complication.

Very often, ultrasound of the kidneys is combined with ultrasound examination of the bladder and abdominal organs.

The main complaints that may cause an ultrasound of the kidneys:

• periodic or constant pain in the lumbar region;
• headaches due to increased blood pressure;
• swelling of various localizations with unknown causes;
• chronic or acute renal failure;
• traumatic injuries in the ribs and lower back;
• inflammatory processes;
• suspicion of the presence of neoplasms;
• emphysematous pyelonephritis (accumulation of gases in the renal parenchyma);
• abnormalities in blood and urine tests;
• examination before kidney surgery.

Kidney ultrasound is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

How to prepare for a kidney ultrasound

In order for the procedure to be effective, you should carefully prepare for it. Ultrasound penetrates perfectly through fluid in the body, but will not be able to pass if there is air in it. For this reason, preparation for an ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys begins with the removal of gas accumulating in the abdomen. To do this, three days before the test you need to keep a special diet, and then drink activated charcoal. On the day of the procedure, it is advisable to cleanse the intestines with an enema.

Is it possible to eat before a kidney ultrasound?

To prepare for the examination, you need to exclude from your diet foods such as baked goods, cabbage, potatoes, raw vegetables/fruits, dairy products, chocolate, and sweets a couple of days before the examination. Is it possible to eat before an ultrasound of the kidneys and abdominal cavity? Immediately before the procedure, it is forbidden to eat food for 8 hours. Kidney ultrasound is performed on an empty stomach. When the examination is scheduled in the afternoon (in the second half), you can eat in the morning before 11 o’clock, but only foods allowed by the diet.

Do I need to drink water before a kidney ultrasound?

If an ultrasound is performed exclusively on an empty stomach, then the amount of liquid you drink before the procedure may not be limited. Should I drink water before an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and adrenal glands? Immediately before the test, you are allowed to drink. If the patient’s bladder will be examined at the same time, then an hour before the procedure the doctor will advise you to prepare specially, that is, drink 1-1.5 liters of a non-carbonated drink. You can drink liquids right before the treatment room. Water, compote, tea or fruit juice are better suited for these purposes.

Drinking regime

When preparing for a kidney ultrasound, be selective about the consumption of water and drinks:

• give up coffee and strong tea, as they negatively affect blood circulation throughout the body;
• eliminate alcohol, it forces the kidneys to work harder;
• carbonated drinks, beer and yeast kvass provoke bloating, so you should also forget about them 3-5 days before the examination;
• fruit and vegetable juices with pulp, fresh juice, nectar are also not recommended, as they contribute to the development of flatulence;

Fruit pulp provokes flatulence, so before ultrasound of the kidneys it is better to drink clarified juices

Drinks made from ingredients of natural origin quench thirst well, and therefore protect the kidneys from overload caused by excess fluid intake

The optimal amount of fluid consumed per day for proper kidney function is 1.5 liters.

If you have certain diseases of the cardiovascular and urinary systems, you should consult your doctor about how much fluid to drink before an ultrasound.

Types of kidney ultrasound

Nowadays, ultrasound examination of the kidneys is carried out using different methods, which helps doctors detect tumors and inflammation at an early stage. Urological practice uses the following diagnostic options:

1. Dopplerography or Color Doppler mapping (CDC). It is carried out to study the renal vessels. The technology of the method is based on fluctuations in the frequency of sound waves, which change after a collision with blood (a moving object). As a result, the doctor receives information about the presence of inflamed vessels and the nature of blood flow in the renal tubules. This method is based on the Doppler Effect.
2. Ultrasonography (echography). This type of study determines disturbances in topography, detects stones and tumors, and reveals renal parenchymal changes. It is based on the principle of reflecting high-frequency waves from tissues, muscles and other dense structures of the organ. During the session, the specialist receives complete structural information about the organ being examined.

How to do an ultrasound of the kidneys

Examination of the urinary system is carried out standing, sitting, lying or on the side. The sonologist applies a hypoallergenic water-based gel to the patient’s skin to ensure full contact of the body surface with the sensor. This increases the transmission level of ultrasound waves. First, the ultrasound procedure of the kidneys and adrenal glands is performed in the lumbar direction, then oblique and transverse sections are studied. In this case, the specialist moves the sensor to the side and front of the abdomen, and the patient turns alternately to the right and left side. The technique helps you see:

• location, size, shape of organs;
• condition of the parenchyma, renal pelvis, calyces, sinuses.

To determine the mobility of organs and improve their visualization, the doctor asks the patient to breathe and/or hold his breath after changing position. The necessary sections are visible much better when you inhale. The procedure is performed in a standing position if nephrosis is suspected. A lateral or sitting ultrasound examination is performed to view the renal vessels. The duration of the examination is no more than half an hour.

What does the procedure look like?

This procedure is carried out with special equipment that delivers high-frequency sound waves. These waves are reflected from various organs and tissues and converted into an image on a computer screen. The process proceeds inaudibly to the human ear.

The research is based on the production of supersonic waves and their reflection by body organs. The principle of the procedure can be compared to an echo. This safe and harmless test is prescribed even to newborn children and pregnant women. Examination of the abdominal organs is carried out from the back and sides.

The ultrasound machine sees right through the kidney in the literal sense of the word. Changes in size and structure, the presence of stones and growths, the condition of blood vessels - all this is visible to the doctor’s eye

The preparation of the patient and the procedure itself are as follows: the patient is located on the couch, on his back.

A special gel is applied to the body in the lumbar region. It promotes the sliding of the device over the surface of the skin, as well as the transmission of sound waves.

To improve the view of the kidneys, the doctor may ask the patient to lie on his side, on his stomach, or stand up. The specialist asks you to take a breath, “inflate” your stomach, hold your breath for a while, and jump. Such manipulations allow you to examine the organ from different angles.

Kidney size is normal according to ultrasound

Interpretation of the results is done only by the doctor. The specialist in the conclusion indicates the number of organs, their location, size, shape, mobility, describes the condition of the ureters, adrenal glands, and tissue structure. Ultrasound diagnosis of the kidneys is considered normal if the contours of the organ are smooth in the photo, the fibrous capsule is clearly defined, and the tissues have a homogeneous structure. The renal pelvis should not be dilated, the organs should be located at the level of the first and second vertebrae, and the thickness of the parenchyma should be 15-25 cm.

Adult kidney size is normal

The left kidney should be located higher than the right. Some mobility of up to 2 cm in a vertical position is allowed. The shape of healthy organs should be bean-shaped (bean grain), and the size should be constant, but a slight difference between them of up to 1 cm is allowed. Normal kidneys according to ultrasound in adult men and women: width 5-6 cm, length 10-12 cm, thickness 4- 5 cm. 1 organ weighs up to 200 grams. An increase in parameters may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes or diseases such as hydronephrosis or pyelonephritis. Reduction in size occurs with hypoplasia.

Normal kidneys in children

The price of an ultrasound examination is no different for an adult or a child, but their standards are different. For a normal determination of the size of paired organs, it is necessary to conduct a correlation analysis between the body weight, age, height and gender of the child. There are certain tables that a specialist should take into account when deciphering the diagnosis.

It is difficult to determine the normal size of kidneys using ultrasound in children, because each child develops differently. You can navigate development based on average statistical indicators. For example, the size of the kidneys in a newborn baby is 4.9 cm. From three months to one year, the organs increase to 6.2 cm. Then, until the age of 19, they should normally grow by 1.3 cm every 5 years.

What does a kidney ultrasound show?

The range of pathologies of the urinary system is very wide. After an ultrasound examination, interpretation of a kidney ultrasound may show the following diseases:

1. Pyelonephritis. Infection of the renal pelvis, which eventually spreads to the parenchyma. The disease occurs in acute or chronic form.
2. Urolithiasis disease. The pathology is characterized by the presence of stones in the pelvis, bladder or along the ureter.
3. Kidney block. Stopping the flow of urine due to swelling or inflammation in any part of the urinary system. This condition can be caused by a stone, blood clot, or injury.
4. Renal vein thrombosis. Complete or partial blockage occurs due to a blood clot, increased echogenicity of the parenchyma, increased size of the organ, or the presence of fluid in the tissues.
5. Damage to the urinary system. These include many diseases for which no treatment was carried out. The condition can also occur after injury.
6. Prostatitis. The disease affects the strong half of humanity. Inflammation of the prostate gland is accompanied by severe pain in the perineum or lower back, difficulty urinating, and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Proper preparation for a kidney ultrasound will help to obtain the most reliable results, and this is important if there are problems with the paired organ and a specific selection of a treatment regimen is required. It is not at all difficult to properly prepare for the procedure; the main thing is to strictly follow the basic rules, and also not to ignore the recommendations of the treating doctor.

Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and the need to prepare for it

Ultrasound of the kidneys is performed using ultrasound echography or Doppler ultrasound.

Ultrasound echography (ultrasonography) is based on the ability of specific waves to be reflected from various tissues in the human body. Depending on the density of the structure, the frequency of the return wave changes, which is recorded by a special sensor. An image is formed on the monitor, allowing the specialist to assess the size, consistency, boundaries, location of the organ, and the presence of foreign inclusions in it.

Ultrasonography of the kidney allows you to clearly visualize all structures of the organ

When examining the kidneys using standard echography, the following is determined:

• organ displacement;
• inflammation;
• tumors;
• the presence of stones, sand, salt deposits.

Doppler ultrasound differs in that ultrasound waves are reflected from constantly moving blood cells - red blood cells. In this way, the vascular bed is visualized, which makes it possible to identify pathologies of the arteries and veins of the kidneys:

• thrombosis (complete or partial blockage of one or more vessels);
• atherosclerosis (fatty deposits on the vascular walls);
• stenosis (pathological narrowing of the vessel), spasm;
• various microcirculation disorders.

Color Doppler image shows the flow of arterial blood to the renal tissues and the outflow of venous blood from them

To obtain a comprehensive ultrasound picture of the kidneys, it is necessary to undergo both ultrasonography and Doppler. This can be done at once, since many clinics have equipment that allows one to immediately examine both renal tissue and blood vessels.

Preparation for an ultrasound examination is necessary:

• To obtain a result that corresponds to reality. Poor nutrition, use of certain medications, stress, bad habits are factors that have a negative impact on the kidneys and neighboring organs. Before an ultrasound examination, the influence of external factors on the urinary system should be eliminated, if possible.
• In order to save your own time and money. Suspecting that the examination result is biased, the doctor will prescribe a repeat ultrasound scan in a few days.

When is a kidney ultrasound prescribed?

Ultrasound of the obstructive system and kidneys is prescribed when a person has complaints and suspicions of dysfunction of these organs:

• pain and discomfort in the kidney area;
• increased body temperature;
• swelling of the body;
• changes in the color and composition of urine;
• discomfort and pain during urination.

Pregnant women at certain stages of pregnancy, as well as young children who have a history of renal pathologies or are suspected of developing them, are required to be examined.

The essence of the procedure

Ultrasound of internal organs is an informative and high-quality diagnostic study that has a number of advantages, including:

• accuracy and information content of the results;
• no contraindications or side effects;
• easy tolerability and painlessness;
• speed of implementation;
• absence of pain and discomfort.

A special gel promotes more efficient delivery of ultrasound waves.
The procedure is performed with equal success on men, women, children and the elderly. A person is exposed to high-frequency ultrasonic waves, which, upon reaching the desired organ, are reflected from it, transformed, and display the image on the monitor. A special gel, which is applied to the skin before the examination, helps to obtain the most accurate results from examining internal organs. Thanks to it, the waves penetrate better inside and transmit more accurate and clear images to the monitor. The results will be deciphered by a doctor who is specially trained and knows all the parameters necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

The examination is done in 2 ways:

• Doppler ultrasound. Allows you to identify and evaluate pathologies in the blood circulation and the condition of the kidney vessels.
• Ultrasound echography. Thanks to this method, it will be possible to evaluate the structure of the organ, identify the presence of foreign stones and neoplasms of various etiologies.

Carrying out an ultrasound of internal organs will be difficult if the patient:

• is overweight;
• suffers from flatulence and excessive gas formation;
• the day before I had undergone a diagnostic test during which barium was injected into the intestines as a contrast agent.

How to properly prepare for a kidney ultrasound?

Preparing for a kidney ultrasound is not at all difficult, it will not require significant effort from the patient, but you need to take the recommendations seriously, because if a dangerous disease develops in the body, it is important to undergo a high-quality examination and determine the diagnosis in a short time.

You should not drink beer a few days before the procedure.

To prepare for the study for adults in 2-4 days you need to:

• Normalize nutrition and exclude from the diet any food that provokes the formation and accumulation of gases in the rectum. You cannot eat or drink: white bread and baked goods;
• potato;
• whole milk;
• white cabbage;
• strong alcoholic drinks, beer, sweet soda.

It is better to take wipes with you to remove any remaining gel from the skin.
During the procedure, the laboratory technician uses a special gel, which ensures the penetration of ultrasonic waves into the abdominal cavity, making the results of the study as accurate as possible. After the procedure, the gel must be wiped off, as it leaves stains on clothes. Not all diagnostic institutions are provided with special napkins, so for your comfort you should take your own napkins or towel with you.

Features during pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience problems with the kidneys, since during this period the paired organ is exposed to repeated stress, so ultrasound diagnostics are performed to monitor its functioning. During pregnancy, it is also worth preparing responsibly for the procedure. The use of special absorbent drugs, as well as enemas, is contraindicated. It is important to normalize your diet and avoid foods that cause flatulence. The diet before an ultrasound scan of the kidneys also includes adherence to the drinking regime, how much liquid to drink is agreed with the doctor. It is better to carry out the procedure on an empty stomach, because if the doctor sees abnormalities in other abdominal organs, the absence of food in the intestines will make it possible to obtain a more accurate result.

Preparation before the examination

How to prepare for a kidney ultrasound in adults is a frequently asked question. Ultrasound examination always requires some proper preparation. Without it, obtaining accurate results is almost impossible.

Woman and man

It will be quite simple to prepare for a kidney ultrasound for both women and men.

The training of women is no different from men. It is important to follow a certain diet and also bring a towel to your appointment.

What can and cannot be eaten?

Before a kidney test, you need to stick to a diet. The main recommendation of the diet is to temporarily avoid:

• flour (especially for yeast dough);
• dairy;
• legumes;
• sparkling water;
• as well as fresh fruit and vegetable products.

Because these listed products contribute to gas formation.

You can eat before an ultrasound:

• lean stewed or boiled meat;
• eggs;
• fish;
• dried bread;
• hard cheese;
• light soups and broths.

This diet must be followed for 2-3 days before the procedure.

What do we have to do?

If, regardless of diet, there is a tendency to develop flatulence, it is recommended to take a drug like Filtrum or Espumisan before the ultrasound. In the evening of the previous day, you can do a cleansing enema.

Do I need to drink water and how much?

Many people wonder whether it is possible to drink water before the examination? Drinking water is not only possible, but even necessary! At the time of the procedure, the bladder should be filled to 500-700 milliliters.

Therefore, 1-2 hours before the start of the study, you need to drink 2-4 glasses of clean water (or tea).

Should I take activated charcoal?

Taking activated carbon before visiting a doctor is not a mandatory condition for undergoing the examination. But it is useful to take the drug for preventive purposes to avoid excessive gas formation.

What not to do?

Before an ultrasound, many people wonder how the diagnosis is done on an empty stomach (on an empty stomach) or not? It is highly inadvisable to eat before visiting a doctor. The last dose should be no later than 8 hours before. Otherwise, the inspection results may be inaccurate and insufficiently reliable.

What should you take?

As a rule, medical institutions offer disposable wipes to remove contact gel. But just in case, it’s better to have spare ones with you. You can also use a regular towel for hygienic purposes.

Is it possible to drink alcohol and tea?

Tea is one of the permitted products. However, you will have to give up alcoholic drinks of any strength (especially carbonated ones).