Do I need a full bladder for a urinary tract scan?

Yes. A full bladder is essential for assessing the bladder wall, capacity, and any internal lesions. You will also be asked to empty your bladder during the scan so we can measure the post-void residual volume.

Can a urinary tract scan detect kidney stones?

Yes. Ultrasound can detect kidney stones, particularly those larger than 5mm. It is also excellent at identifying the secondary signs of obstruction (hydronephrosis) caused by stones. Very small stones or those in the ureter may be better seen on CT urogram.

The scan is entirely non-invasive and painless. The only sensation is the cool gel applied to your abdomen and flanks and the gentle pressure of the transducer.

Can a urinary tract scan detect bladder cancer?

Ultrasound can detect bladder tumours that cause wall thickening or intraluminal masses. However, cystoscopy is the definitive investigation for suspected bladder cancer. If the ultrasound raises any concern, the report will recommend appropriate follow-up.

Will I receive a report on the day?

Yes. A written report with measurements and images is provided before you leave the clinic. The report includes all findings and recommended next steps.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is required. You can book directly online or by telephone. However, we strongly recommend sharing your report with your GP, particularly if blood in the urine or a significant abnormality is identified.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

General Scans

Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan

A comprehensive ultrasound assessment of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract, providing clear answers about urinary symptoms, recurrent infections, and kidney health.

20-30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedDiagnostic Imaging Expert

£235

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4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

When Urinary Symptoms Need a Proper Explanation

Recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, difficulty emptying the bladder, or unexplained flank pain are symptoms that deserve thorough investigation. A urinary tract ultrasound scan provides a complete view of your kidneys and bladder, identifying structural causes that explain your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. Our specialist sonographers at 29 Weymouth Street provide a detailed written report the same day.

Clinical Overview

What is a Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan?

A urinary tract ultrasound scan is a non-invasive imaging examination that assesses the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures using high-frequency sound waves. It is the first-line investigation recommended for urinary symptoms, haematuria, and suspected kidney pathology. The scan evaluates kidney size and structure, checks for stones, cysts, or obstruction, and assesses bladder wall thickness and post-void residual volume. Approximately 1 in 11 people in the UK will develop a kidney stone at some point in their life.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections not responding to standard treatment

Anyone with blood in the urine (haematuria) requiring investigation

Those with flank or loin pain that may indicate kidney pathology

Patients with difficulty emptying the bladder or urinary frequency

Men with lower urinary tract symptoms related to prostate enlargement

Anyone with a family history of kidney disease or polycystic kidney disease

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Kidney Stones

Calculi within the kidney collecting system, causing loin pain and haematuria. Affects approximately 1 in 11 people in the UK.

Hydronephrosis

Dilatation of the kidney collecting system due to obstruction, which can indicate a stone, stricture, or tumour.

Renal Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs within the kidney, ranging from simple benign cysts to complex lesions requiring further assessment.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Multiple cysts throughout both kidneys associated with a hereditary condition affecting kidney function.

Bladder Wall Thickening

Abnormal thickening of the bladder wall associated with chronic infection, bladder outlet obstruction, or tumour.

Post-Void Residual

Measurement of urine remaining in the bladder after voiding, assessing bladder emptying efficiency.

Renal Masses

Solid lesions within the kidney that may require further imaging to characterise.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Arrival with full bladder

Please arrive with a comfortably full bladder. This is essential for assessing the bladder and post-void residual volume.

Kidney assessment

The sonographer systematically assesses both kidneys, measuring their size and evaluating for stones, cysts, or structural abnormalities.

Bladder assessment

The bladder is assessed for wall thickness, capacity, and any internal lesions with a full bladder.

Post-void residual

You will be asked to empty your bladder and return for a post-void scan to measure residual volume.

Report and discussion

A written report with measurements and images is provided before you leave, with all findings explained clearly.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Drink 1 litre of water one hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder
2
You will be asked to empty your bladder during the scan for a post-void residual measurement
3
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen and flanks
4
There is no need to fast before a urinary tract scan
5
Continue any prescribed medications as normal

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Urinary Tract Scan Results

Your sonographer will discuss key findings with you immediately after the scan. A written report with measurements and images is provided before you leave. Normal results provide important reassurance. Where abnormalities are identified -- such as kidney stones, cysts, or bladder wall changes -- the report will include detailed measurements and recommended next steps to share with your GP or urologist.

Why Private?