Patient Blog

Bladder Ultrasound: How to Prepare and What to Expect

Published on: January 13, 2025 | PocketHealth
Patient undergoing an ultrasound with technician

If your doctor has recommended scheduling a bladder ultrasound, you may have questions about this imaging technique. This guide will explain its uses, the conditions it can help diagnose, and how to prepare for your appointment.

While this guide provides helpful information about bladder ultrasounds, your doctor will interpret your results officially during a follow-up appointment or phone call. If you’d like early access to your results, PocketHealth offers secure, early access to your report when it is available. This allows you to review the findings in advance and prepare any questions for your follow-up.

 

Early access to your ultrasound images and reports

 

What is an ultrasound of the bladder?

Ultrasound of the bladder

Ultrasound of the bladder

Ultrasounds are an imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create two-dimensional pictures of a patient’s internal structures. As the sound waves bounce off organs and bones, the echoes reflect back to the transmitter, allowing the images to be captured for analysis. A bladder ultrasound specifically focuses on this area, where urine is stored after being processed by the kidneys.

 

What is a bladder ultrasound used for?

Bladder ultrasounds can help diagnose and evaluate a range of health conditions that affect this area. Here are some common reasons medical providers use these scans:

  • Urinary issues: Various urinary dysfunctions, such as incontinence, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, pain or blood during urination and more.
  • Mild pelvic discomfort: When patients experience pelvic discomfort, evaluating the bladder can help narrow down possible causes and guide treatment options.
  • Bladder stones: These form when urine becomes too concentrated, causing mineral deposits to harden into stones.
  • Cystitis conditions: These include acute cystitis (also known as a bladder infection) and interstitial cystitis (bladder wall inflammation caused by unknown factors).
  • Bladder diverticula: This occurs when the bladder wall forms pouches, which can trap urine and lead to other urinary issues. It may be congenital or result from other bladder problems, such as urinary blockages.
  • Bladder monitoring: This may be used to evaluate patients with previously treated bladder conditions or to assess bladder function in aging adults.
  • Bladder obstruction: Causes of obstruction can include tumors, kidney stones, genetic conditions, uterine prolapse or an enlarged prostate.
  • Bladder cancers: Ultrasounds can help detect signs of bladder cancer, which has fortunately seen a decrease in both new cases and mortality rates.
  • Ureterocele: A congenital condition where the end of one of the ureters swells, potentially blocking or reducing urine flow.

 

How is a bladder ultrasound performed?

Having a full bladder is usually required for a bladder ultrasound. This improves image quality, as sound waves move faster and more densely through liquid, providing better detail. Additionally, many patients will need to have both a full and empty bladder measured. Here’s what to expect during the ultrasound appointment.

  1. After arriving with a full bladder, you’ll be taken to the ultrasound room to begin the scan. Some imaging clinics may ask you to change into a hospital gown.
  2. You’ll lie on the ultrasound table while the technician applies conductive gel to your abdomen. This gel helps the sound waves move through your skin.
  3. A handheld device called a transducer will be moved across your lower abdomen, capturing detailed images of your bladder.
  4. The technician may ask you to adjust your position or hold your breath for a few seconds to obtain a better viewing angle.
  5. Partway through the scan, you will likely be asked to empty your bladder and repeat the scan. This allows the technician to capture images of your now-empty bladder for comparison.
  6. The appointment typically lasts about 30 minutes, after which you are free to go about your day as usual.

 

How to prepare for a bladder ultrasound

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your ultrasound appointment:

  • Re-read any preparatory instructions: If you were given instructions for your appointment, it can be helpful to review them to ensure nothing is missed before your scan.
  • Bring your requisition form: If you have it, you may want to bring it to your appointment. If the imaging clinic doesn’t already have it on file, it can make the check-in process smoother.
  • Bring your insurance or health card: Also, try to bring your I.D., as many clinics require it for check-in.
  • Wear comfortable clothes: Some imaging facilities require patients to wear a hospital gown, but many allow you to stay in your regular clothes as long as your abdomen is easily accessible for the technician to perform the ultrasound.
  • Arrive with a full bladder: Unless instructed otherwise, the scan is typically most effective with a full bladder. Also, try to avoid caffeine and alcohol before the appointment, as they can affect urination frequency and output.

 

Getting my results

Understandably, many patients are eager to receive and go over their bladder ultrasound results. This section will discuss common questions regarding when to expect your results and who deciphers them.

Who interprets my results?

A radiologist, a specialist in diagnosing and assessing conditions through medical imaging, will interpret your ultrasound images. The radiologist’s findings will then be sent to your referring physician, who may provide additional insights or diagnostic interpretations based on your overall medical history.

When will I get my results?

Depending on the radiologist’s and your referring physician’s schedules, it may take up to a week or longer to receive your results, though this can vary by facility and situation. Most patients receive their results during their follow-up appointment with their doctor.

If you’d like to view your report before your appointment, PocketHealth provides faster access, allowing you to see the results as soon as they are officially uploaded. This gives you time to review the findings and prepare for your next medical visit. MyCare Navigator is especially helpful for offering personalized insights and identifying any recommended follow-up steps. It recommends questions based on your personal report that you may want to ask your doctor, helping you make the most of your consultation.

 

Early access to your ultrasound images and reports

 

Understanding my results

Although your doctor will provide an official explanation of your results, accessing your report before your appointment can give you an early glimpse. It’s common to find medical terminology complex and confusing, but PocketHealth Report Reader makes it easier by offering clear, straightforward definitions for medical terms—simply tap or click on any underlined words to reveal their meaning. Meanwhile, here is a quick overview of common findings for bladder ultrasounds.

Normal bladder ultrasound results

Ultrasounds can provide information on bladder and ureter anatomy and size, the thickness of the bladder wall, the bladder’s capacity and the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination. This is known as post-void residual volume. If these assessments are within normal ranges, you may see terms such as:

  • No acute findings
  • Normal findings
  • Unremarkable
  • No abnormality detected
  • No sonographic abnormality

Abnormal bladder ultrasound results

Possible abnormal bladder ultrasound findings include:

  • Evidence of diverticulum: If bladder diverticula are detected during the ultrasound, next steps can be taken, including potential surgery to treat the condition. Bladder ultrasounds also help in planning this surgery by pinpointing the location of the diverticula.
  • Problems with bladder emptying: If the post-void residual volume (PVR) is higher than expected, it can indicate underlying conditions such as obstructions. Normal PVR is below 50 mL, though older patients may have normal levels ranging from 50 to 100 mL (1.69 to 3.38 oz). A PVR higher than 200 mL (6.76 oz) is considered abnormal.
  • Bladder cancer: Bladder ultrasounds can help determine the type and location of cancer, though additional testing is often needed for confirmation.
  • Bladder congenital defects: Examples include ureteroceles and other irregularities.
  • Cystitis: Abnormalities in the bladder’s inner wall lining can indicate this condition.
  • Bladder obstructions: Ultrasounds typically identify bladder blockages, which can be caused by tumors, scar tissue, bladder stones or compression of the bladder neck by surrounding organs, such as an enlarged prostate.
Ultrasound of the bladder and prostate

Ultrasound of the bladder and prostate

 

Additional testing for bladder conditions

Often, an ultrasound is the first step in diagnosing bladder conditions. Sometimes, it is the only diagnostic step needed, but frequently, additional tests or scans are performed. Here are some common testing progressions for patients with bladder symptoms:

  • CT scan: Computed tomography uses X-ray technology to capture three-dimensional images of the organs, providing greater detail.
  • Cystoscopy: A narrow scope is inserted into the urethra to gain views of the bladder interior.
  • Biopsy: Bladder tissue is collected to test for irregularities, such as cancer cells. This is generally done during a cystoscopy.
  • MRI scan: Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed internal images through the use of radio and magnetic waves.
  • Urodynamic testing: This test typically utilizes an ultrasound or catheter to assess bladder function based on urinary speed and volume.
  • Urinalysis: A urine sample is collected and tested at a lab for signs of irregularities, such as white blood cells (which can indicate infections) or blood in the urine.
  • IVP scan: Intravenous pyelography is a method that uses X-rays and injected dye to better detect obstructions, tumors or other conditions.

 

How is a bladder ultrasound different from an MRI or CT scan?

Bladder ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to capture images, whereas MRIs use magnetic and radio waves. Both are low-risk scans that don’t use radiation and are highly effective for evaluating internal areas. CT scans, however, use a small dose of radiation, though they are still considered to be safe and effective for patients.

Ultrasounds are ideal for dynamic imaging, meaning they can capture images during the patient’s movements if needed. Soft tissues, such as tendons, muscles, organs and connective tissue, show up well on ultrasound scans. However, bone and air (such as in the lungs) are less clear with this technique. Ultrasounds are also beneficial for other reasons, such as ease of scheduling and being less intimidating for patients who may feel claustrophobic during an enclosed MRI scan. They are typically less expensive and can accommodate patients with internal medical devices containing metal, such as pacemakers. MRIs, due to their magnetic nature, have restrictions with metal implants.

MRI scans

MRIs are a useful complement to ultrasounds when needed. Ultrasounds are less effective at showing structures like cartilage, bones, joints and larger areas, which are better evaluated with an MRI. MRIs can also assess soft tissues, tumors, inflammation and other conditions with great detail. Often, an ultrasound is the initial imaging step, followed by an MRI or another in-depth imaging method for further analysis. Additionally, some insurances won’t cover MRIs ( or CT scans) until an ultrasound has been performed first.

CT scans

CT scans are a type of X-ray technique that expose the patient to a very small dose of radiation. While considered low-risk and safe, medical providers typically avoid having patients undergo these scans repeatedly. In terms of bladder imaging, CT scans provide excellent three-dimensional detail, helping assess a wide variety of internal structures and soft tissues. Overall, CT scans excel at spatial resolution, meaning they can clearly show the edges of structures, such as where one structure ends and another begins. MRIs, on the other hand, are better at contrasting multiple areas of the body, such as cancerous tissue compared to healthy tissue. Each has its own strengths, and neither is considered superior to the other. However, CT scans may be a better option for those who experience claustrophobia in an MRI machine or have pain issues, as CT scans are faster and more comfortable for patients.

 

Frequently asked questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding bladder ultrasounds.

What if I can’t hold my urine for an ultrasound?

Bladder ultrasounds are most effective when the patient has a full bladder. However, some patients may not be able to hold their urine for the duration of the appointment. Patients should consult with their doctor or the imaging clinic for possible adjustments. Common approaches for this issue include emptying the bladder halfway to alleviate discomfort or urinating as needed while drinking more than the typical 32 ounces (946 mL) of water to compensate. Be sure to consult with your medical provider to determine their preferences.

Are there any risks from a bladder ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are considered a low-risk and safe imaging method. Unlike X-rays and similar scans, they do not use radiation, so they can be performed repeatedly without concerns about side effects or other issues.

How accurate is a bladder ultrasound?

Ultrasounds can be very accurate, especially for conditions that are easy to spot, such as bladder diverticula. That said, there are multiple bladder conditions that may require additional imaging or tests to confirm, which is common for most medical imaging methods. Ultrasounds serve as an excellent starting point for evaluation and diagnosis.

What is the difference between a kidney and bladder ultrasound?

Ultrasounds of the kidneys

Ultrasound of the kidneys

A kidney ultrasound focuses primarily on the kidneys, but it also provides details of the ureters. Bladder ultrasounds similarly evaluate the ureters, but they focus more on the bladder itself. Because urinary conditions can affect or stem from both of these organs, it is not uncommon for patients to have a kidney and bladder ultrasound during the same appointment. The technician simply moves the transducer over the kidney and bladder areas for evaluation.

Can I eat and drink like normal before a bladder ultrasound?

Often, patients can maintain their normal habits before their ultrasound, including eating as usual. However, some doctors may request that patients avoid caffeine and alcohol (as already mentioned) and only drink clear liquids. This is because dyes in colored liquids or their opaqueness can sometimes interfere with imaging clarity. Be sure to follow any recommendations from your provider.

 

Take control of your health with PocketHealth

PocketHealth makes it simple to keep track of your medical reports and ultrasounds. All of your medical imaging is in one secure location and can be accessed online anytime. If needed, reports can also be easily shared with other physicians in your care team and family members. When used in conjunction with your medical provider’s professional advice, it is a powerful tool for organizing and understanding your imaging results and your health.

 

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