Our kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scans evaluate the urinary tract system, helping to diagnose and guide treatment for various conditions.
Individuals experiencing urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine, or flank pain may benefit from a kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scan. The scan is also recommended for those with a history of kidney stones, recurrent urinary tract infections, or congenital urinary tract abnormalities. Additionally, individuals with suspected kidney or bladder tumours, or those undergoing regular surveillance for known urinary tract conditions, may require periodic scans to monitor their health and guide appropriate management.
During a kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scan, you'll lie comfortably on an examination table with your abdomen exposed. A clear, water-based gel will be applied to your skin, and a handheld device called a transducer will be moved over your abdominal and pelvic regions to capture detailed images of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder. You may be asked to hold your breath or change positions during the scan to better visualise certain areas. Additionally, you may be asked to drink water before the scan to fill your bladder, as this can help provide clearer images of the bladder wall and ureters. The procedure is painless and usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the extent of the examination.
Preparation for a kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scan may vary depending on the specific purpose of the examination. In most cases, you will be asked to drink several glasses of water before the scan to ensure that your bladder is full, which can help provide clearer images of the bladder wall and ureters. However, if your scan is focused primarily on the kidneys, you may be asked to fast for 6-8 hours before the examination to minimise gas in the intestines, which can interfere with the imaging. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen and pelvic area. Inform your radiologist of any relevant medical history, current medications, or allergies, as this may impact the interpretation of the results. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, don't hesitate to discuss them with your radiologist before the scan.
If you experience persistent urinary tract symptoms or have concerns about your urinary tract health, schedule your kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scan as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and management of urinary tract conditions can help prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes. Your GP or urologist will guide you on the appropriate timing based on your individual circumstances and the severity of your symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with a urinary tract condition that requires regular monitoring, your healthcare provider will develop a personalised surveillance plan, which may include periodic ultrasound scans.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question? We have an answer.
No, a kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scan is generally a painless procedure. You may feel slight pressure from the transducer as it moves over your abdomen and pelvic area, but this should not cause any significant discomfort. If you experience pain during the scan, inform your radiologist, as this may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation.
In most cases, you will be asked to have a full bladder for the beginning of the scan to help visualise the bladder wall and ureters. However, once the radiologist has obtained the necessary images of these structures, you may be allowed to empty your bladder before proceeding with the rest of the examination. Your radiologist will guide you through the process and let you know when it's appropriate to empty your bladder.
While a kidneys, ureters, and bladder ultrasound scan can provide valuable information about the structure and anatomy of the urinary tract, it cannot directly assess kidney function. To evaluate how well your kidneys are working, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as blood tests (e.g., creatinine, eGFR) or imaging studies like a nuclear medicine renal scan. However, the ultrasound scan can detect structural abnormalities that may indirectly suggest impaired kidney function, such as hydronephrosis or reduced kidney size.
At Spital Clinic, a private Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder Ultrasound Scan with our expert sonographers costs £150. We are open 7 days a week and can offer morning, day and evening appointments. If you are using private health insurance, please call the clinic to provide your authorisation number. To book, please click here.
An ultrasound scan, also known as sonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is a safe and painless procedure that does not use ionising radiation. Ultrasound scans are commonly used to monitor pregnancy, diagnose conditions, and guide medical procedures. The images are created in real-time, allowing healthcare professionals to view the structure and movement of internal organs and tissues.
During an ultrasound scan, a small device called a transducer is placed on the skin over the area to be examined. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body and bounce back when they encounter different tissues. The transducer then receives these reflected waves and converts them into electrical signals, which are processed by a computer to create images of the internal structures. The images can be displayed on a monitor or printed for further analysis.
Yes, ultrasound scans are generally considered safe for both the patient and the unborn baby (in the case of pregnancy scans). Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, which can potentially harm living tissues. There are no known side effects or risks associated with ultrasound scans when performed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, it is essential to ensure that the scan is medically necessary and performed by a trained specialist.
There are several types of ultrasound scans, each designed for specific purposes:
Abdominal ultrasound: Used to examine organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys.
Pelvic ultrasound: Used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures in women, or the prostate gland in men.
Pregnancy ultrasound: Used to monitor fetal development, confirm the due date, and detect potential complications.
Breast ultrasound: Used to evaluate breast lumps or abnormalities detected during a mammogram or physical exam.
Vascular ultrasound: Used to assess blood flow in arteries and veins and detect blockages or clots.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
