Machine prep:

• Image the patient in B-mode

• Choose an abdominal or renal pre-set

• Enter patient and practitioner ID for archiving as per local policy

 

Patient Preparation

The patient should be laid supine

TIP: in the case of difficult views, the patient can be sat up, laid in the decubitus position or prone

TIP: Raise the ipsilateral arm above the head to spread the rib spaces allowing probe placement posterolaterally.

TIP: If cooperation is an issue, particularly in young children, the patient can be seated or lying in a parent’s lap to help keep them calm and still during the scan

 

Scanning Technique Overview

1. Longitudinal/sagittal kidney assessment 

2. Transverse kidney assessment   

3. Repeat sagittal and transverse assessment on opposite kidney

4. Sagittal and Transverse assessment of the bladder 

5. Color doppler of the bladder to assess for Jets 

 

For bilateral kidney assessment, be sure to: 

· Identify and assess the renal structures: the cortex, medulla pyramids and renal pelvis 

· Consider imaging any abnormalities with color doppler as well to differentiate vascular from other structural abnormalities 

· Save stills and clips in the mid longitudinal and transverse views as per local policy