Kidneys and urinary tract ultrasound scan
Get clarity on kidney issues early. A kidney and bladder ultrasound to help check for cysts, tumours, infections, fluid build-up, blockages and other issues in or around the kidneys.
- Price
- £300£50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation
- Preparation
- Arrive with a full bladder
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan may be recommended if you have symptoms in this area, an abnormal test result, or a known condition that needs checking.
What it shows
It can help diagnose issues such as
- Changes in urine, If you’re passing less urine than normal, needing to go more often, or notice blood in your urine, a scan can help identify the cause.
- Flank pain, Pain in the lower back area may be linked to kidney stones, blockages, or damage. An ultrasound can check the kidneys and rule out or confirm any concerns.
- High creatinine, A blood test showing raised creatinine levels could point to a kidney issue. An ultrasound helps look for the reason behind these changes.
- Transplanted kidneys, If you’ve had a kidney transplant, regular monitoring is important. An ultrasound helps check that the new kidney is functioning well and not showing signs of rejection.
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
Please arrive with a full bladder.
During
Your consultant applies a small amount of gel and moves a handheld probe over the area, explaining what they see as they go.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
What symptoms might I be experiencing if I have a kidney and bladder problem?
Symptoms of a bladder infection often include needing to urinate often and urgently, along with a burning feeling when passing urine. A kidney infection, however, usually causes more serious symptoms, such as pain in the back, side, or groin, nausea and vomiting, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, a strong ongoing urge to urinate, pain or burning when urinating, blood or pus in the urine (haematuria), fever and chills, pain in the lower abdomen, passing urine more often than usual
If you have any of these signs, it’s important to get checked quickly. Kidney infections need prompt treatment.
Why might I need a kidney and urinary tract scan?
A kidney and urinary tract ultrasound may be suggested for several reasons:
Changes in urine, If you’re passing less urine than normal, needing to go more often, or notice blood in your urine, a scan can help identify the cause.
Flank pain, Pain in the lower back area may be linked to kidney stones, blockages, or damage. An ultrasound can check the kidneys and rule out or confirm any concerns.
High creatinine, A blood test showing raised creatinine levels could point to a kidney issue. An ultrasound helps look for the reason behind these changes.
Known or suspected kidney disease, Cysts, tumours, or hereditary conditions like polycystic kidney disease may be found on ultrasound, whether symptoms are new or ongoing.
Transplanted kidneys, If you’ve had a kidney transplant, regular monitoring is important. An ultrasound helps check that the new kidney is functioning well and not showing signs of rejection.
When should I seek medical attention for a kidney or bladder issue?
Book an appointment with your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms mentioned on this page that concern you.
Seek urgent medical care if you have kidney-related symptoms along with fever, bloody urine or nausea and vomiting, as these could point to a serious problem.
Seek medical advice if you’re already being treated for a urinary tract infection but your symptoms aren’t getting better, as it’s important to follow up.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.