What This Scan Includes
Comprehensive bladder wall assessment
Bladder capacity measurement
Post-void residual volume check
Bladder stone detection
Urinary retention evaluation
Immediate verbal results and report
When Should I Book?
Any Time
Bladder scans can be performed at any time for general assessment and symptom investigation.
Symptomatic
Book promptly if experiencing urinary frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, or blood in urine.
Follow-Up
Regular monitoring may be needed for known bladder conditions or post-treatment assessment.
Recommended: Book promptly if experiencing urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, or blood in urine. Early assessment can identify treatable conditions before complications develop.
What to Expect
Before Your Scan
- Drink 3-4 glasses of water 1 hour before
- Arrive with a full bladder
- You may need to empty bladder mid-scan
- Allow 25 minutes for appointment
During Your Scan
- Lie comfortably on examination couch
- Warm gel applied to lower abdomen
- Scan performed with full bladder first
- Second scan after emptying bladder
After Your Scan
- Immediate verbal results from sonographer
- Detailed written report provided
- Images for your records if needed
- GP referral letter if abnormalities found
Why Choose London Ultrasound?
Specialist Urological Imaging
Sonographers with advanced training in urological ultrasound and men's health conditions.
Discreet & Professional
Private, comfortable environment with male sonographers available. Your dignity and comfort are our priority.
Rapid Access
Same-day and next-day appointments available. No lengthy NHS waiting times for peace of mind.
Common Questions
What conditions can a bladder scan detect?
Bladder ultrasound can identify bladder stones, tumours, wall thickening, diverticula, urinary retention, and structural abnormalities. It's also used to measure post-void residual urine volume, which helps diagnose incomplete bladder emptying.
Why do I need a full bladder for the scan?
A full bladder provides an acoustic window for ultrasound waves and pushes the bowel out of the way, allowing clear visualisation of the bladder walls and contents. The scan is performed twice—once with a full bladder and once after emptying—to assess bladder function.
Is a bladder scan uncomfortable?
The scan itself is painless, though having a full bladder can be uncomfortable. You'll be asked to empty your bladder midway through the examination, which provides relief. The entire procedure takes about 20-25 minutes.
Can a bladder scan detect cancer?
Ultrasound can detect bladder tumours and abnormal masses, but it cannot definitively diagnose cancer. If suspicious findings are seen, you'll be referred for cystoscopy (camera examination) and biopsy for definitive diagnosis.