Combined abdominal & urinary ultrasound • London & St Albans
Private abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound scan
A comprehensive, radiation-free ultrasound assessment of the upper abdominal organs, kidneys and urinary bladder. This combined scan is designed for adults with abdominal discomfort, flank or lower-back pain, urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, recurrent infections, abnormal blood tests or a relevant family history.
- No GP referral required
- Abdominal organs, kidneys and bladder
- London and St Albans clinics
- Written report and images
Direct answer
What does an abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound show?
This is a combined external ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen and urinary system. It commonly assesses the liver, gallbladder, visible bile ducts, pancreas where technically accessible, spleen, both kidneys, abdominal aorta and urinary bladder. The scan may also include bladder volume and a post-void residual measurement when clinically appropriate.
It can identify or monitor visible structural changes such as gallstones, kidney stones that are visible on ultrasound, urinary obstruction, hydronephrosis, bladder wall changes, simple cysts, organ enlargement, fatty liver appearances, focal lesions and an enlarged abdominal aorta. Ultrasound does not detect every condition and may be limited by bowel gas, body habitus or the location of an abnormality.
A combined adult abdominal and urinary tract ultrasound, clinically relevant measurements, saved images and a structured written report. This service does not automatically include a pelvic reproductive-organ scan, prostate scan, testicular scan, renal artery Doppler, liver elastography or detailed bowel assessment.
- Typical durationApproximately 30–45 minutes
- PreparationFasting plus a full bladder
- RadiationNone
- AgeAdults aged 18 and over
Scan coverage
Which organs are examined?
The exact views depend on your symptoms, clinical history and technical accessibility on the day.
Liver
Size, contour and echotexture, including visible fatty change, cysts, focal lesions and signs of biliary obstruction or chronic liver disease.
Gallbladder and bile ducts
Gallstones, sludge, wall thickening, visible inflammation-related change and dilatation of the common or intrahepatic bile ducts.
Pancreas
The visible pancreas is assessed for size, contour, echotexture, duct dilatation, cystic change or a focal abnormality. Bowel gas may obscure part of it.
Spleen
Spleen size and echotexture, including visible focal lesions, cysts, enlargement or other structural changes.
Kidneys
Kidney size, shape and cortical appearance, with assessment for hydronephrosis, visible stones, cysts, scarring and focal masses.
Urinary bladder
Bladder distension, wall appearance, visible stones, debris, masses and residual urine after voiding when clinically indicated.
Abdominal aorta
The accessible abdominal aorta is measured and assessed for aneurysmal dilatation. A dedicated vascular study may be needed for more detailed evaluation.
Visible urinary tract
Ureters are not usually seen throughout their length when normal, but dilatation or obstruction-related changes may be demonstrated.
Relevant surrounding structures
Other accessible findings may be documented when seen, while recognising that this is not a complete bowel, pelvic or vascular examination.
Reasons to book
When might this combined scan be useful?
- Generalised or recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort or tenderness
- Right upper abdominal pain, nausea after meals or suspected gallstones
- Flank, kidney-region or lower-back pain
- Blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary symptoms
- Abnormal liver function, kidney function or other relevant blood-test results
- Known cysts, stones, fatty liver or another finding requiring ultrasound follow-up
- A family history of abdominal, kidney or bladder disease
- A clinician’s request for a broad combined abdominal and urinary structural review
Before your appointment
How to prepare for an abdomen and urinary tract scan
Good preparation improves visualisation of the gallbladder, upper abdominal organs and urinary bladder. Follow your booking confirmation if it differs from the general guidance below.
Fast for six hours
Do not eat for approximately six hours before the scan. Avoid milk, chewing gum and smoking during the fasting period unless the clinic advises otherwise.
Drink still water
Clear still water is generally allowed. Avoid fizzy drinks, which can increase bowel gas and reduce image quality.
Arrive with a full bladder
Drink about one litre of non-fizzy water before the appointment and do not empty your bladder. The exact timing will be confirmed when you book.
Medication and special needs
Take essential medicines with water. Contact us in advance if you have diabetes, fluid restriction, a catheter, limited mobility or cannot safely fast.
Your appointment
What happens during the scan?
The examination is external, non-invasive and performed with you awake.
- 1
Clinical discussion
The practitioner confirms your symptoms, relevant medical or surgical history, medication and previous results so the scan can be tailored appropriately.
- 2
Upper abdominal assessment
You lie on the examination couch while gel is applied. The liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and abdominal aorta are assessed in several planes. You may be asked to hold your breath or turn onto your side.
- 3
Urinary tract assessment
The kidneys and full bladder are examined. You may then be asked to empty your bladder so a post-void residual volume can be measured when clinically appropriate.
- 4
Explanation and report
The main observations can usually be discussed after the scan. A structured written report with relevant images and recommendations is then provided.
Clinical interpretation
Results, limitations and next steps
Your report describes the structures that were adequately visualised, relevant measurements, significant findings and any technical limitations.
What the report may describe
- Gallstones, biliary dilatation or visible gallbladder inflammation-related change
- Fatty liver appearances, cysts, enlargement or visible focal lesions
- Kidney stones visible on ultrasound, hydronephrosis, cysts or focal masses
- Bladder wall change, stones, debris, focal lesions or residual urine
- Splenic, pancreatic or aortic abnormalities within technical limits
Important limitations
- The stomach and bowel are not fully assessed because gas blocks ultrasound
- The pancreas and deep structures may be partly obscured
- Normal ureters are often not visible along their full length
- Small stones, early tumours and some inflammatory disease may not be detected
- A normal scan does not replace clinical review, blood tests, urine tests or other imaging
Possible recommendations
- Review with your GP, urologist, gastroenterologist or another specialist
- Blood tests, urine testing or repeat ultrasound surveillance
- CT, MRI, MRCP or cystoscopy when a different test is more appropriate
- Urgent assessment if the findings or symptoms require prompt escalation
- A dedicated pelvic, prostate, vascular or liver-elastography examination
Choosing the correct service
What is included—and what may need another scan?
This combined service is broader than a single-organ scan but does not replace every abdominal, pelvic or urological investigation.
Included
Upper abdominal organs, both kidneys, urinary bladder, accessible urinary tract and abdominal aorta, with pre- and post-void bladder assessment when appropriate.
Not routinely included
Uterus and ovaries, prostate, testes, renal arteries, full vascular Doppler, bowel mapping, liver fibrosis measurement, hernia assessment or appendicitis protocol.
Another test may be better
CT, MRI, MRCP, endoscopy or cystoscopy may be needed for ureteric stones, pancreatic disease, bowel symptoms, complex masses, blood in the urine or persistent unexplained pain.
Online booking
Book an abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound
Choose your preferred clinic and appointment time using the secure PrivateSono booking page.
- Central London or St Albans
- Self-referral accepted
- Written report and relevant images
- Preparation instructions sent with booking
Ready to book?
Select the service, clinic and available time on the booking page.
Open secure booking — £399 Call the booking teamBooking link: https://privatesono.com/book-a-scan/?service=abdominal-and-urinary-tract-ultrasound
Why PrivateSono
Combined imaging with clear clinical reporting
A patient-focused private service with clinically relevant measurements, saved images, documented limitations and practical recommendations.
Check appointment availabilityExperienced practitioners
Assessment by ultrasound professionals working within their clinical scope and professional registration.
One combined appointment
Upper abdominal organs and urinary tract assessed together rather than booking two separate standard scans.
Clinician-ready report
Structured findings, relevant measurements, images, limitations and recommendations for onward care.
Flexible access
Appointments may be available seven days a week, including same-day slots subject to availability.
Clinic locations
Private abdominal and urinary ultrasound near you
Choose Central London or St Albans when booking. Availability varies by date and practitioner.
Patient questions
Abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound FAQs
These answers provide general booking and preparation guidance. Your booking confirmation and individual clinical advice take priority.
What is an abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound scan?
It is a combined external ultrasound examination of the upper abdominal organs and urinary system. It commonly assesses the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas where visible, spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta and urinary bladder.
What symptoms can this scan investigate?
The scan may be useful for general abdominal discomfort, upper abdominal pain, flank or lower back pain, blood in the urine, recurrent urinary infections, urinary symptoms, abnormal liver or kidney blood tests, and follow-up of a known abdominal or urinary finding.
How should I prepare for the scan?
You will usually be asked not to eat for six hours before the appointment and to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Clear still water and essential medicines are generally permitted, but follow the exact instructions in your booking confirmation.
How much water should I drink?
A common instruction is to drink about one litre of non-fizzy water before the appointment and not empty your bladder. Your booking confirmation should give the exact timing and volume for your scan.
Can I take my regular medication?
Essential prescribed medication can usually be taken with small sips of water. If you have diabetes, take time-sensitive medication, have fluid restriction, use a catheter or cannot fast safely, contact the clinic before the appointment for individual instructions.
How long does the scan take?
A combined abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound commonly takes about 30 to 45 minutes, although the appointment may be longer if extra views, bladder filling or post-void measurements are required.
Will the scan assess my bowel or stomach?
Ultrasound is not a complete test of the stomach or bowel because gas and air can block the sound waves. A normal ultrasound does not exclude all gastrointestinal conditions, and another test may be recommended depending on your symptoms.
Can ultrasound see the ureters?
The ureters are often not visible throughout their full length when normal. Ultrasound may show dilatation, obstruction-related changes or a stone near the kidney or bladder, but CT or another investigation can be more appropriate when ureteric disease is suspected.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. PrivateSono accepts self-referrals for adults. Bring any previous scan reports, blood or urine results, operation details and a list of current medication so the examination can be tailored to your history.
When will I receive my results?
The practitioner can usually explain the main observations after the examination. A structured written report with relevant images is then provided for you to share with your GP, consultant or other healthcare professional.
Private diagnostic ultrasound
Book your abdomen and urinary tract ultrasound
Combined adult abdominal, kidney and bladder assessment in Central London or St Albans.