The role of renal ultrasound and its correlation with biomarkers in the medical screening of apparently healthy individuals in a Nigerian University

Kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that uses images to assess kidney size, shape, location, and blood flow. It uses B-mode imaging for easy renal anatomy assessment and is often used for renal interventions. Clinical laboratory tests assess kidney function, focusing on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria. Serum creatinine is more accurate than urea, but urea is increased earlier in renal disease. Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) students undergo routine pre-admission checks for visual acuity and body mass index (BMI), but kidney sonographic and laboratory investigations are not conducted. Hence, the need for this study. The research aimed at evaluating the sonographic findings of the kidneys and their correlation with biochemical markers among apparently healthy medical students in UDUS. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 apparently healthy medical students. Data was collected for sonographic and laboratory investigations and recorded on a data capture sheet. The study found incidental discoveries among the students, despite no symptoms. Laboratory results were normal, possibly due to protein-rich diets and physical activity. Sonographic results were significant compared to biochemical indices, but serum creatinine and right kidney bipolar length with BMI and gender were insignificant. In conclusion, renal ultrasound plays an important role in assessing the kidneys and should be the first line in diagnostic investigation. This study helped in revealing the renal status of the students.