Bladder Ultrasound (U/S)

What is Bladder U/S?

It is a non-invasive imaging test to evaluate the bladder. It is conducted with the use of an ultrasound device that has a fixed probe allowing the investigation of the abdomen. The procedure is performed by a Radiologist or Urologist trained in Ultrasonography of the Urinary Tract.

When is Bladder U/S performed?

Your physician may recommend a Bladder Ultrasound for various reasons:

  • In case you suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia. When there are no pathological conditions (e.g. tumor), Bladder Ultrasound can help evaluate the bladder capacity and residual urine volume in the bladder (remaining after urination.
  • In case of macroscopic hematuria, U/S can diagnose abnormal conditions of the bladder, such as stones, blood clots or some tumor.
  • Bladder U/S is also used during some invasive procedures, such as placement of catheter to the bladder through the abdominal wall (suprapubic urinary catheter).

What preparation is needed for Bladder U/S?

Before the ultrasound test, a great amount of fluids has to be taken so that the bladder gets filled with urine. U/S involves no radiation at all and therefore is absolutely safe for pregnant women and children.

How is Bladder U/S performed?

You may need to undergo a Bladder U/S either as an outpatient or as a hospital inpatient. Your physician will explain the procedure and answer any questions related to the test you might potentially have. The procedure is as follows:

  • You will be asked to remove your clothes from the abdominal region and lie on an examination bed.
  • Your physician will apply a clear viscous gel on the low abdominal region to be examined. You should be aware that clothes do not get stained by any potentially remaining gel residues.
  • Then your physician will place the ultrasound probe on the gel and start scanning the region. You will feel only a slight pressure without any pain at all.
  • In some cases, you will be asked to go urinate and come back in order to have the test repeated, for evaluating the residual urine volume in the bladder.
  • Once the procedure is completed, the physician will remove the gel from the examined region.

Following Bladder U/S, you can resume to your everyday activities without any restriction at all.

How are the results of Bladder U/S interpreted?

If there is any pathological finding, your physician will inform you about this. You will be given additional instructions and information about the therapeutic options that are available for you. Should there be any doubt, s/he will recommend you to undergo  more specific screening (Cystoscopy, CT scan).