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Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound

A kidney and bladder ultrasound, or renal ultrasound, uses high frequency sound waves transmitted through a transducer (probe) to visualize and assess your kidneys, ureters (small muscular tubes that join the kidneys with the bladder), and urinary bladder.

Please inform the sonographer performing your exam if you have had surgery related to one of these organs, if you have a history of kidney stones, or if you have stents placed in the ureters or urinary bladder.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your appointment, and then drink one litre of water within the next 30 minutes. For patients under 36 kg/80 lbs drink 500 ml. Finish drinking water one hour before your exam and do not empty your bladder.
  • Please note: Drink water slowly to prevent abdominal discomfort.
  • If you are too uncomfortable, please relieve your bladder of a small amount of urine.
  • Once the test has begun, your sonographer will advise you if you can empty your bladder further or totally. We understand that a full bladder can be uncomfortable.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
  • Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Please don’t bring children that require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You may be asked to change into a gown.
  • Your technologist (sonographer) will ask you to lower or arrange your clothing so that the area of concern is exposed to apply gel and scan the area.
  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being scanned.
  • The sonographer will move the transducer (probe) around the area between your hipbones and below your belly button to take images of your kidneys and bladder.
  • The sonographer will ask you to perform various breathing techniques that aid in obtaining the best images of your organs.
  • You may be asked to lie on your side, sit, or stand to bring your organs into a better position.
  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images.
  • You will be asked to empty your bladder at the end of the exam and then the sonographer will take more pictures of your bladder to measure the volume of remaining urine.
  • The radiologist will review the images.
  • The radiologist may come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results. You will then be free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under the Alberta and Saskatchewan Health Care Plans.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online Appointment Request

What We Do

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.

We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:

  • MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight

  • Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health

  • Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care

  • Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life

But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.

We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.

Who We Are.

To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.

At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

The Inside Story

WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.

Key Points:

  • Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.

  • Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.

  • Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).

  • Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.

Vision & Mission:

  • Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”

  • Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”