What does a kidney ultrasound show?
A kidney and bladder ultrasound shows:
- The size and shape of both kidneys
- Kidney stones and swelling of the drainage system (hydronephrosis)
- Kidney cysts and solid masses
- The bladder wall and how well the bladder empties
- In men, the size of the prostate
Why might I need a kidney ultrasound?
For loin or side pain, suspected kidney stones, recurring urine infections, an abnormal kidney blood test, high blood pressure, difficulty passing urine, or to follow up a kidney cyst found on another scan.
Can a kidney ultrasound detect kidney stones?
It shows most stones in the kidneys and any swelling caused by a stone blocking the flow of urine. Small stones in the ureters, the tubes between kidneys and bladder, can be hidden; if your symptoms suggest one, a low-dose CT scan is the definitive test and can be arranged.
When is kidney pain an emergency?
Go to A&E if you have severe loin or side pain with a high temperature, shivering or vomiting, or if you cannot pass urine at all. A blocked, infected kidney needs urgent treatment.
I have blood in my urine. Is an ultrasound enough?
No. Visible blood in the urine should always be assessed by your GP, who will usually refer you urgently to a urologist for a camera test of the bladder (cystoscopy) as well as imaging. An ultrasound shows the kidneys and bladder well but cannot fully examine the bladder lining, so it complements rather than replaces that assessment.
Do I need a full bladder for a kidney ultrasound?
Yes, ideally: a comfortably full bladder lets the bladder wall and how well it empties be checked. Drink about half a litre of water in the hour before. The kidneys themselves can be scanned whether your bladder is full or not, and you do not need to fast.
Can a bladder ultrasound detect bladder cancer?
It can show larger growths in the bladder, but it cannot rule out bladder cancer, especially small or flat areas. That is why anyone with blood in their urine needs a cystoscopy, a camera test of the bladder, as well as imaging. Your specialist will advise you plainly.
What is a kidney cyst?
A simple kidney cyst is a thin-walled, fluid-filled pocket, very common after the age of fifty and almost always harmless. Ultrasound confirms a simple cyst; a cyst with thicker walls or solid parts may need a CT or MRI to characterise it.
Can a kidney ultrasound detect kidney cancer?
It can show solid masses in the kidney, which are then characterised with CT or MRI. Many kidney cancers are found by chance on ultrasound, at an early stage. Most kidney lumps seen on ultrasound are benign cysts.
Can an ultrasound check my prostate and bladder emptying?
Yes. A kidney and bladder scan can measure the size of the prostate in men and how much urine is left in the bladder after you go, which helps explain symptoms such as a weak stream or getting up at night.
Can a kidney ultrasound show kidney disease?
It shows changes linked to chronic kidney disease, such as small, scarred or bright kidneys, and blockages that can affect kidney function. Kidney function itself is measured with blood and urine tests, and the scan helps your doctor understand the cause.
Does a kidney ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests on your back, side and tummy with warm gel. A full bladder may feel a little uncomfortable when pressed, and you can empty it as soon as the bladder views are done.
How long does a kidney ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including scanning before and after emptying your bladder, and time to explain the findings.
How much does a kidney ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private kidney and urinary tract ultrasound costs £260, all fees inclusive: the scan of both kidneys and the bladder, the specialist’s time, your written report and images.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a kidney ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a kidney ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private kidney ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street kidney ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
