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Ultrasound Specialist

Carabello Kidney Victor Carabello, MD Our Services Ultrasound
Victor Carabello, MD - - Nephrologist

Carabello Kidney

Victor Carabello, MD

Nephrologist & Internal Medicine located in East Los Angeles, CA

For dual board-certified nephrologist and internist Victor Carabello, MD, ultrasounds are a simple everyday tool that can provide invaluable information about your kidneys. At Carabello Kidney, his welcoming practice in East Los Angeles, California, Dr. Carabello uses ultrasound imaging to diagnose and manage a range of kidney problems, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Call the office to learn more, or schedule your appointment online today.

Ultrasound Q&A

What is a kidney ultrasound?

A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive form of diagnostic testing that produces detailed images — both static and moving — of each kidney, their supporting structures, and your bladder. 

Also known as a renal ultrasound, this simple and fast imaging technique can provide invaluable information about kidney health. Dr. Carabello may use ultrasound imaging to evaluate their size and shape, look for signs of damage or infection, assess renal blood flow, look for kidney stones, or check your bladder.   

He may also use it to help: 

  • Perform routine checks on a transplanted kidney
  • Diagnose kidney disease and check treatment success
  • Guide the needle when performing a kidney biopsy 

Dr. Carabello performs in-office kidney ultrasounds during your initial visit and as needed during your course of care.

How does ultrasound imaging work?

Ultrasound uses inaudible, high-frequency sound waves to produce images of specific organs and other targeted structures in your body. Sent through your skin by a handheld transducer, these sound waves bounce off your internal structures. 

When the reflected sound waves are received by the computer, it converts them into images on the screen. Ultrasound can capture still images as well as live-action images, much like a video feed. This makes it possible for Dr. Carabello to evaluate blood flow and blockages with greater precision.  

Adding a specialized Doppler probe to the transducer allows Dr. Carabello to hear the sound waves as they’re reflected. This can help him assess renal blood flow and pinpoint a potential blockage quickly and accurately. 

Are kidney ultrasounds safe?

Ultrasounds are painless, completely noninvasive, and cause no adverse biological effects. And unlike other common diagnostic techniques, they don’t use radiation or contrasting dye to produce images. For most people, ultrasounds carry no risk. 

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

Sometimes, kidney or bladder ultrasound testing requires advanced preparation. Depending on the kinds of images he hopes to capture, Dr. Carabello may ask you to:

  • Eat only fat-free foods the night before the test
  • Avoid eating food for a specific period of time (fasting)
  • Drink water before testing to obtain clearer images
  • Empty your bladder after testing, then take more images

In other cases, you may not need to do anything special before your ultrasound. Dr. Carabello lets you know exactly what you need to do before any specific kidney ultrasound exam. 

To schedule your next ultrasound, call Carabello Kidney or book online today.

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