Kidney ultrasound is a fast, non-invasive examination method that assesses the position, size, shape, and structure of the kidneys, and helps detect stones, cysts, dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces, and other structural changes. Ultrasound diagnostics does not use X-ray radiation.
You can get a kidney ultrasound in Kyiv at the HBMedical medical center, located at 3 Oleksandra Dovzhenka Street, near “Shuliavska” metro station. After the examination, the patient receives an ultrasound diagnostics doctor’s report.
Price of kidney ultrasound — 750 UAH.
HBMedical also offers combined kidney examinations with the bladder, adrenal glands, and renal vessels.
What a Kidney Ultrasound Shows

During the examination, the doctor examines the right and left kidneys from different angles and assesses their anatomical characteristics.
An ultrasound can assess:
- the position of the kidneys;
- their size and shape;
- the contours of the organs;
- the thickness and structure of the parenchyma;
- the condition of the renal pelvis and calyces;
- the presence and location of stones;
- cysts and certain other space-occupying formations;
- dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces;
- certain congenital structural features;
- structural changes following injuries or past illnesses.
An ultrasound can also help detect signs of impaired urine outflow and kidney stones, although the capabilities of the method depend on the size and location of the stones.
At the same time, ultrasound primarily assesses the structure of the kidneys, not their function. To assess kidney function, the doctor may additionally order blood and urine tests, including creatinine and other lab values.
When You Should Get a Kidney Ultrasound
The examination may be ordered by a urologist, nephrologist, family doctor, or other specialist. Reasons for having an ultrasound may include symptoms, changes in test results, or the need to monitor a known condition.
It’s worth seeing a doctor and discussing whether an ultrasound is needed if you have:
- pain in the lower back or side;
- renal colic;
- painful or difficult urination;
- blood in the urine;
- frequent urges to urinate;
- swelling;
- changes in a general urine test;
- recurrent urinary tract infections;
- suspected kidney stones;
- an injury to the lower back area;
- previously detected cysts or other structural changes;
- the need to monitor kidney condition over time.
These symptoms are not specific to kidney conditions alone, so you shouldn’t diagnose yourself based on them. The doctor evaluates the ultrasound result together with your symptoms, medical history, and lab tests.
Preparing for a Kidney Ultrasound
Preparation for a standard kidney ultrasound is often minimal. Unlike an abdominal ultrasound, a mandatory extended fasting period is not required in every case. RadiologyInfo notes that a kidney examination requires minimal preparation or may need none at all.
However, the specific recommendations depend on exactly what needs to be examined.
Do I Need to Drink Water Before a Kidney Ultrasound
For an examination of the kidneys only, a full bladder may not be necessary. However, if the doctor has ordered a kidney and bladder ultrasound, you usually need to drink water before the procedure and not empty your bladder until the first part of the examination is complete. A full bladder helps better assess its walls and other structures of the urinary system.
HBMedical also notes that a full bladder may be needed for a kidney ultrasound, and the exact amount of water and preparation time are provided when booking.
So the best rule is simple: when booking, state the exact service or the wording from your referral to get the correct preparation instructions.
Can I Eat Before a Kidney Ultrasound
If only a kidney ultrasound is being performed, strict fasting is usually not a universal requirement.
Other rules may apply if the kidneys are examined together with the abdominal organs, or if the doctor has ordered a combined ultrasound. In that case, preparation is determined by whichever examination in the combination has stricter requirements.
If you have diabetes, fluid restrictions, or regularly take medication, confirm the preparation when booking and don’t change your treatment plan on your own.
How a Kidney Ultrasound Is Performed
The examination is performed using an ultrasound probe through the skin. The patient usually lies on their back or side, and if needed, the doctor may ask them to change position, sit up, or stand to examine the kidneys from different angles. A special gel is applied to the area being examined, after which the doctor moves the probe over the skin of the abdomen, the sides of the torso, and the lower back. A real-time image of the kidneys is displayed on the monitor.
The examination does not require incisions or the insertion of instruments into the body. You can return to your usual activities after the procedure. Kidney ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.
Which Kidney Ultrasound to Choose
HBMedical offers several examination options. The one you need depends on your symptoms, the clinical purpose, and your doctor’s referral.
| Examination | What’s Examined | Price |
| Kidney ultrasound | right and left kidney | 750 UAH |
| Kidney and bladder ultrasound | kidneys + bladder | 850 UAH |
| Kidney and adrenal gland ultrasound | kidneys + adrenal glands | 850 UAH |
| Kidney and renal vessel ultrasound | kidneys + assessment of renal blood flow | 1450 UAH |
HBMedical also separately offers renal vessel Doppler ultrasound — 970 UAH.
If you’re not sure which examination you need, tell the administrator the wording from your referral. The doctor determines the final scope of diagnostics.
Kidney Ultrasound: Price at HBMedical
The price of a kidney ultrasound at HBMedical is 750 UAH. If you also need to check your bladder or adrenal glands, the combined examination costs 850 UAH. A kidney ultrasound with a vessel examination costs 1450 UAH.
You can check the current price in the price list or confirm it when booking, before your visit.
Where to Get a Kidney Ultrasound in Kyiv
You can get a kidney ultrasound in Kyiv at the HBMedical medical center in Shuliavka.
Address: Kyiv, 3 Oleksandra Dovzhenka Street
Metro: “Shuliavska”
Kidney ultrasound price: 750 UAH
Booking: by phone or through the form on the website
The medical center is located near “Shuliavska” metro station. HBMedical’s website also states that you can book ultrasound diagnostics in advance and receive a report after the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Ultrasound
Can I have a kidney ultrasound during my period?
Yes. Menstruation does not interfere with a kidney ultrasound and is not on its own a reason to postpone the examination. If another pelvic organ examination is planned at the same time, the rules for that may differ.
Can I have a kidney ultrasound during pregnancy?
Ultrasound diagnostics does not use ionizing radiation and can be used during pregnancy when medically indicated.
Can kidney stones be seen on ultrasound?
An ultrasound can help detect kidney stones and signs of impaired urine outflow, but the imaging capability depends on the size and location of the stone. If the ultrasound result doesn’t explain the symptoms, the doctor may recommend another imaging method, such as a CT scan.
The term “kidney sand” is a colloquial one and shouldn’t be interpreted on its own as a diagnosis based on ultrasound results.
Does an ultrasound show how well the kidneys are working?
Not entirely. An ultrasound primarily shows the anatomy and structural changes of the kidneys. Kidney function is assessed together with lab values and, if needed, other tests.
Do I need a referral for a kidney ultrasound?
Whether you can have the examination without a referral can be confirmed when booking. If you have a referral, it’s a good idea to bring it with you: the clinical purpose stated in it helps determine the necessary scope of the examination. HBMedical recommends stating the exact wording from the referral when booking.
Which doctor should I see with my kidney ultrasound results?
Depending on the reason for the examination, you can show the result to a urologist, nephrologist, or family doctor. The doctor will compare the ultrasound report with your symptoms, examination findings, and test results, and determine whether further tests are needed.
Book a Kidney Ultrasound at HBMedical
If you need a kidney ultrasound in Kyiv, book an examination at HBMedical near “Shuliavska” metro station.
Kidney ultrasound — 750 UAH
Kidney and bladder ultrasound — 850 UAH
Kidney and adrenal gland ultrasound — 850 UAH
Address: Kyiv, 3 Oleksandra Dovzhenka Street
When booking, tell the administrator the exact name of the examination — this will help correctly identify the service and provide preparation recommendations.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.























































