Renal ultrasound

Technique

  1. 3.5-5 MHz probe
  2. Right kidney
    1. Patient supine
    2. Probe in the right lower intercostal space in the midaxillary line
  3. Left kidney
    1. Patient supine or right lateral decubitus
    2. Probe in the lower intercostal space on the posterior axillary line
      1. More cephalad and posterior than when visualizing the right kidney
  4. Scan entire kidney (through liver)
    1. Longitudinal (long axis) and transverse (short axis) views

Questions

  • Is there hydronephrosis?
    • Unilateral or bilateral?
  • Is there fluid around the kidney?
  • Is the bladder distended?
  • Are stones seen?
  • Is the aorta normal?

See Also

Source

Sonoguide