Kidney, Urinary & Bladder Ultrasound
Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder Ultrasound Scan
Price: £197
A kidney and bladder ultrasound scan is a safe, painless test that uses sound waves to create images of the urinary tract. At London Private Ultrasound, this scan helps detect kidney stones, blockages, infections, bladder problems, and prostate enlargement in men. Both kidneys, ureters, and the bladder are examined, and results with a full report are available on the same day.
A Kidney Ureters and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound assesses the urinary system for abnormalities. It helps evaluate:
Kidneys
✅ Size, Shape & Structure – Checks for enlargement, shrinkage, or abnormalities.
✅ Kidney Stones – Detects stones that may cause pain or blockages.
✅ Cysts & Tumors – Identifies fluid-filled cysts or suspicious masses.
✅ Hydronephrosis – Evaluates urine buildup due to obstruction.
✅ Infections (Pyelonephritis) – Assesses for inflammation or abscesses.
✅ Blood Flow – Examines kidney perfusion and vascular abnormalities.
Ureters
✅ Blockages or Narrowing – Identifies obstructions causing urine flow issues.
✅ Ureteral Stones – Detects stones that may be causing pain or urinary problems.
✅ Reflux or Dilatation – Checks for abnormal urine flow back to the kidneys.
Bladder
✅ Bladder Wall Thickness – Evaluates for inflammation or abnormalities.
✅ Urinary Retention – Checks for incomplete emptying of the bladder.
✅ Bladder Stones – Identifies stones that can cause pain or infections.
✅ Tumors or Masses – Detects abnormal growths inside the bladder.
This radiation-free, non-invasive ultrasound is useful for investigating urinary symptoms, kidney problems, infections, and unexplained pain.
Why choose London Private Ultrasound?
- GMC & HCPC registered specialists.
- CQC registered clinic, trusted by leading insurers.
- 7-day service with same-day appointments.
- Clear fixed pricing: £197.
- State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment for accurate diagnosis.
Book Your Appointment
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Tel: 020 7101 3377
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Private Kidney, Ureter & Bladder (KUB) / Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Same-day renal & bladder ultrasound for adults and children: kidneys, ureters (when visible) and bladder. If you searched for “urinary tract ultrasound what to expect,” “kidney & bladder ultrasound,” “KUB ultrasound,” “ultrasound for UTI or stones,” this page explains what it shows, preparation, procedure, results, prices and how to book.
Common reasons for a kidney & bladder ultrasound
- Urinary symptoms: frequency, urgency, dysuria, recurrent UTIs.
- Flank pain or renal colic; suspected kidney stones.
- Visible or microscopic blood in urine (haematuria) — part of the work-up.
- Abnormal kidney function tests, hypertension, or known kidney cysts.
- Bladder issues: poor stream, retention, recurrent infections, suspected post-void residual.
- Paediatrics: antenatal hydronephrosis follow-up, recurrent UTIs, voiding concerns.
What a KUB / urinary tract ultrasound shows
- Kidneys: size, cortical thickness, echotexture; cysts/masses; hydronephrosis; many renal stones.
- Ureters: upper segments if dilated; secondary signs of obstruction when stones aren’t directly visible.
- Bladder: capacity, wall thickness, trabeculation, diverticula, stones/debris, masses; pre-void and post-void residual (PVR) volumes.
- Prostate impression (men, transabdominal): effect on bladder base (note: dedicated prostate scans are separate).
Important limitations
- UTI: Ultrasound does not diagnose infection — it evaluates causes/complications (retention, stones, hydronephrosis). Diagnosis needs symptoms plus urine tests.
- Ureteric stones: Small or distal stones can be hard to see; we rely on hydronephrosis/ureteric dilatation as clues. Additional imaging may be advised.
- Bladder cancer: Ultrasound can detect masses but is not a definitive screen. Persistent haematuria may require cystoscopy and/or CT urogram.
Preparation: how to arrive with a full bladder
- Hydrate: Drink 500–750 ml water 45–60 minutes before your appointment; do not urinate until after the first images.
- Food: No fasting is usually required for a renal/bladder-only scan. If you’re also booked for an abdominal scan, you may be asked to fast 6 hours (water allowed).
- Medication: Continue as normal unless told otherwise.
- Periods: The scan can be performed during menstruation; arrive with a full bladder as above.
What to expect
- Brief history: symptoms, UTIs, stones, blood/urine tests, previous imaging.
- Scanning with a full bladder: We assess kidneys, ureters (if visible) and bladder; measurements and images are recorded. Doppler used when indicated.
- Post-void check: You’ll empty your bladder; we measure PVR to assess emptying.
- Results: Same-day verbal impression; structured radiology report and key images provided shortly after.
Typical report wording (examples)
- Normal KUB: “Both kidneys normal in size and echotexture with preserved corticomedullary differentiation. No calculus or hydronephrosis. Bladder smooth-walled; no focal lesion. Pre-void 420 ml; post-void 20 ml.”
- Hydronephrosis / suspected obstruction: “Left moderate pelvicalyceal dilatation with proximal ureteric dilatation; features suggest obstruction. Correlate clinically and consider CT urogram.”
- Renal cysts: “Simple cysts in right kidney up to 18 mm with posterior enhancement; no suspicious features.”
- Bladder stone: “Echogenic focus with posterior acoustic shadowing near bladder trigone; correlate with symptoms.”
Prices
- Kidney & bladder (renal tract) ultrasound: typically £140–£220 (includes PVR measurement).
- Add-ons: Focused prostate/bladder outlet review (TA), limited Doppler if indicated, or combine with abdominal or pelvic scan for a same-visit package.
FAQs
Why do I need a urinary tract ultrasound?
It’s a first-line, radiation-free way to assess kidneys and bladder for stones, obstruction (hydronephrosis), retention, masses, structural variants and complications of UTIs.
What does a bladder ultrasound show?
Bladder size, wall thickness, stones, debris, masses/diverticula and how well it empties (post-void residual).
Can ultrasound detect kidney infection (pyelonephritis)?
Ultrasound may show indirect signs or complications (swelling, obstruction, abscess), but diagnosis relies on symptoms, exam and urine tests.
Do I need a full bladder?
Yes—arrive comfortably full so we can visualise the bladder wall and measure pre- and post-void volumes.
How long does it take and when do I get results?
About 15–20 minutes. You’ll get a same-day verbal summary and a written report with images soon after.
Will it show ureteric stones?
Sometimes. Small/distal stones can be difficult to see; ultrasound looks for hydronephrosis as a clue. Further imaging may be recommended.
Book now
Choose a Kidney & Bladder (KUB) scan, or combine with Abdominal and/or Pelvic ultrasound in one visit.
