Private Kidney, Bladder and Prostate (Renal Tract) Ultrasound Scan
No GP referral needed. CQC rated Good. Over 30 years' experience. Written report within 24 hours.
A renal tract ultrasound examines the kidneys and the bladder and, in men, measures and reports the prostate volume. It can show kidney stones, swelling of the kidney caused by a blockage, cysts and other abnormalities. It also assesses bladder function by measuring how much urine is in the bladder before and after you pass urine (pre- and post-void volumes).
Common reasons for this scan:
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Pain in the side or back that may be a kidney stone
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
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Difficulty passing urine, a poor or slow flow, or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied
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Measuring the volume of urine left in the bladder after passing urine (post-void residual)
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Prostate symptoms in men, where the prostate volume is measured and reported
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Kidney cysts or abnormalities found on another test, or follow-up of a previous scan
How to prepare:
You need a full bladder. Please drink 2 pints of water in the hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder until you are asked to during the scan. If you become very uncomfortable, let the team know.
What happens during the scan:
The scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You lie on your back and, for some views, on your side. The full bladder is scanned first and the bladder volume is measured. In men, the prostate is measured through the lower abdomen and its volume is reported. You will then be asked to pass urine, and the bladder is scanned again to measure the volume left behind. The kidneys are then scanned. A written report follows.
When to seek urgent help:
If you can see blood in your urine, please see your doctor, because this needs a proper assessment and not just a scan. Severe loin pain with fever, shivering or vomiting, or being unable to pass urine at all, needs urgent medical attention.
What ultrasound can and cannot show:
The prostate volume is measured through the abdomen. This scan cannot diagnose or exclude prostate cancer, so please discuss PSA testing and examination with your doctor if you have concerns.
Price & Booking:
Single area scans start from £110 at our Lincoln and Nottingham clinics & £130 at our Cheltenham and Stratford Upon Avon clinics. Two areas are £199. Book online and choose the clinic and time that suit you, or call 07907 594411 if you would like to talk to us first.