Your order says “renal ultrasound,” but a friend had an “abdominal ultrasound” for kidney stones. Are they the same? Not quite. The two exams overlap, but they focus on different organs and, importantly, they require different preparation. Here is how to tell them apart before your appointment.
Renal (Kidney and Bladder) Ultrasound
A renal ultrasound focuses on the urinary tract: both kidneys and the bladder. It is ordered for:
- Kidney stones and blockage (hydronephrosis)
- Abnormal kidney function blood tests
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Kidney cysts or masses
- Bladder emptying problems, including measuring urine left after voiding
- Prostate size in men, seen from the bladder view
Preparation: usually a full bladder. Drink 24 to 32 ounces of water about an hour before your exam and do not empty your bladder until the scan is finished.
Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound looks at the upper abdominal organs: liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and the abdominal aorta. It is ordered for:
- Upper abdominal pain or bloating
- Gallstones
- Abnormal liver tests or fatty liver
- An enlarged liver or spleen
- Pancreas concerns
Preparation: fasting for 8 hours, with no food or drink except small sips of water for medications. Read our full guide on how to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Focus: renal = kidneys and bladder; abdominal = liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and aorta.
- Preparation: renal = full bladder; abdominal = 8-hour fast.
- Common reasons: renal = stones, urinary symptoms, kidney function; abdominal = upper abdominal pain, gallbladder and liver concerns.
What If My Order Is Unclear?
Check the exam name and the reason written on your order. If it is unclear, call your doctor’s office before your appointment, or contact our team. Booking the right exam and preparing correctly helps you avoid rescheduling.
Other Related Exams
- Abdominal aorta ultrasound: screening for aortic aneurysm; requires fasting.
- Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal): requires a full bladder.
- Scrotal and testicular ultrasound: no preparation.
See every instruction in our exam preparation guide.
Results
A board-certified radiologist interprets both exams, and reports are sent to your ordering physician within 48 business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an abdominal ultrasound include the kidneys?
Yes. A complete abdominal ultrasound includes images of the kidneys, but a renal ultrasound looks more closely at the kidneys and adds the bladder.
Do I need to fast for a renal ultrasound?
Usually not. Most renal ultrasounds require a full bladder instead. Follow the instructions you receive when you book.
Can a renal ultrasound find kidney stones?
Yes. Ultrasound can show many kidney stones and any blockage they cause.
Book Your Ultrasound in Miami
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