Why might my child need a kidney and bladder ultrasound?
Most often after a urine infection, especially in babies or with infections that keep returning, to follow up a kidney finding from a pregnancy scan, for wetting beyond the usual age, blood in the urine, or a family history of kidney conditions.
Should my child have a kidney scan after a urine infection?
Often, yes. UK NICE guidance recommends a kidney ultrasound for babies under six months after a urine infection, and for older children whose infections are unusual or keep coming back. The scan looks for anatomy that can make infections more likely, so it can be treated or monitored.
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Seek urgent medical help the same day if your child has a high fever with a urine infection, is very unwell, floppy or vomiting and unable to keep fluids down, or a baby under three months has a fever. These need prompt treatment, not a clinic scan.
What are the signs of a urine infection in a child?
In babies and toddlers the signs are often vague: fever, vomiting, poor feeding, irritability or smelly urine. Older children may have pain or stinging when weeing, needing to wee often, tummy or back pain, new wetting and fever. A urine test confirms it.
A child with a high fever who is very unwell needs to be seen the same day.
What is hydronephrosis in a child?
Hydronephrosis is a widening of the kidney’s drainage system, often first seen on a pregnancy scan. Mild hydronephrosis is common and usually improves on its own as the child grows. Ultrasound measures it and tracks it over time, and more significant or worsening widening is referred to a specialist.
What do the grades of hydronephrosis mean?
Hydronephrosis is graded by how widened the kidney’s drainage system is, from mild (grade 1) to severe (grade 4), where the kidney tissue may be thinned. Mild grades are common and usually settle as a child grows; higher grades or widening that increases over time are referred to a paediatric kidney specialist or urologist.
Can ultrasound show kidney reflux?
Not directly. Vesicoureteric reflux, where urine flows backwards from the bladder to the kidneys, needs a different test to prove it. Ultrasound can show signs that make reflux more likely, such as widening of the drainage system or kidney scarring, and your specialist will advise if further tests are needed.
What findings are common, and what do they mean?
Most scans are normal. Common findings include mild widening of the drainage system, a duplex kidney (a normal variation with two drainage systems), a kidney that is slightly smaller or larger than expected, and a bladder that does not empty fully. Your specialist explains exactly what each means.
Does my child need a full bladder?
It helps if practical: a drink in the waiting room usually does the job, and the bladder is checked before and, where age allows, after a wee. Babies and young children are scanned whenever the bladder happens to be full, which is part of the art of scanning children.
Can a kidney scan help with bedwetting?
Most bedwetting is not caused by a kidney problem. A scan is helpful when wetting happens during the day, starts again after a dry period, or comes with infections, as it shows the kidneys, bladder wall and how well the bladder empties.
What does the scan check?
A child kidney and bladder ultrasound examines:
- The size of each kidney, measured against age
- Widening of the drainage system (hydronephrosis)
- Scarring from previous infections
- Duplex kidneys and other variations
- The bladder wall and how well it empties
Can I stay in the room with my child?
Yes, always. A parent or carer stays with your child throughout the scan, and you are welcome to hold their hand, read a story or play a cartoon while the specialist works.
Is a child kidney ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child kidney ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child kidney ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child kidney and urinary tract ultrasound costs £300, all fees inclusive: the scan of both kidneys and the bladder, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
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 child 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 child 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 child kidney ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £300, 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 child 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. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you 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.
