Urinary Tract Ultrasound

Urinary Tract Ultrasound: Info and Get a Scan

• A urinary tract ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to check your kidneys, bladder, and ureters.

• It can help diagnose issues like kidney stones, infections, or urinary retention.

• Most scans take under an hour with no recovery time needed.

• Private scans typically cost between £245 and £400 in the UK.

• You can get one through your GP or book directly with a private clinic.

If you've been experiencing urinary discomfort, repeated infections, or worrying symptoms like blood in your urine, a urinary tract ultrasound could be a reassuring first step to finding out what’s going on. This safe, non-invasive scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the organs that make up your urinary tract – your kidneys, ureters and bladder.

Sometimes called a renal or bladder ultrasound, it gives your doctor a clearer picture of what’s happening inside, without the need for radiation or injections. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing urinary issues or this is your first scan, this type of diagnostic ultrasound can help provide answers.

Ultrasound scans are incredibly versatile. They're used across many areas of healthcare to investigate symptoms or monitor a medical condition. An ultrasound is often the first choice of diagnostic scan for urinary problems because it’s quick, painless and widely available. It can give your doctor important clues about what’s going on inside your body before deciding if you need further treatment or testing.

Why might I need a urinary tract ultrasound?

It’s not always easy to know why your body isn’t feeling right, but a urinary tract ultrasound can be a helpful step towards getting some answers. If you’re finding it painful to wee, struggling to empty your bladder properly, experiencing lower back pain, or spotting blood in your urine, your doctor might suggest an ultrasound scan to help discover the reasons behind your symptoms.

You might also be referred for an ultrasound if:

• You have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• You’re being monitored for an ongoing kidney or bladder condition

• Your doctor is checking for complications from a previous infection

• You’re experiencing unexplained high blood pressure

• A previous scan has shown something that needs a closer look

For women, urinary tract ultrasounds are often used alongside pelvic ultrasounds to explore symptoms like pelvic pain or incontinence. In older adults, they can help investigate signs of an enlarged prostate or rule out kidney damage.

Ultrasound scans are widely used because they’re quick, safe and don’t involve any radiation. They’re also ideal for checking how a condition is progressing or whether a treatment is effective.

What can a urinary tract ultrasound diagnose?

A urinary tract ultrasound can offer important and valuable information about how your kidneys and bladder are functioning. It can help your doctor identify a range of conditions, including:

• Kidney stones - Small but mighty in terms of pain, kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that can form inside your kidneys. An ultrasound can show their size and location.

• Urinary tract infections (complications) - Recurring infections can sometimes lead to swelling or structural issues in the urinary tract, which an ultrasound can help detect.

• Hydronephrosis - This is a buildup of urine in the kidneys due to a blockage or backflow. It causes the kidneys to swell, something that’s easily visible on an ultrasound.

• Bladder stones - These can form when urine becomes too concentrated. They may cause pain or infections, and show up clearly on a scan.

• Bladder tumours - Although an ultrasound won’t give quite as much detail as an MRI, it can detect any unusual growths or thickening in your bladder wall.

• Urinary retention - If you’re struggling to empty your bladder fully, a scan can show how much urine remains after you’ve gone to the toilet.

• Kidney cysts - These fluid-filled sacs are usually harmless but worth monitoring. An ultrasound can spot them and help your doctor decide if they need follow-up.

• Enlarged prostate (indirectly) - While the prostate itself isn’t the focus of this scan, changes in your bladder function may point to an underlying issue with your prostate.

• Urinary tract obstruction - Whether caused by stones, scarring or something else, an ultrasound scan can help identify where the blockage is and what’s causing it.

Ultrasound scans can also help identify abnormalities in nearby organs, such as the liver. Occasionally, a scan may reveal unexpected findings that lead to further tests, such as a CT (computed tomography) scan or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

What types of urinary tract ultrasounds are available?

There are a few different types of urinary tract ultrasounds. Your doctor will recommend the right one depending on your symptoms and which part of the urinary system needs checking.

Transabdominal ultrasound

This is the most common scan, where your sonographer gently moves a handheld probe across your tummy to see your kidneys, ureters and bladder. It’s often used for general investigations.

Renal (kidney) ultrasound

This one focuses just on your kidneys. It checks their size, shape and structure, and can help spot stones, cysts, swelling or signs of long-term kidney disease.

Bladder ultrasound

This scan looks specifically at your bladder – including its shape and volume, and how well it empties. It’s especially useful if you're dealing with incontinence or urinary retention.

Doppler ultrasound of the urinary tract

Doppler imaging allows the sonographer to check blood flow in and around your kidneys. This is helpful if your doctor suspects narrowed arteries or wants to check kidney transplants.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)

Often used in emergencies, this quick bedside scan helps doctors assess urgent issues like severe pain, urinary retention or suspected kidney stones. It’s often performed in A&E departments or urgent care settings to speed up diagnosis.

How an ultrasound of the urinary tract works

Ultrasound may sound high-tech, but the process is surprisingly gentle and straightforward. A small device called a transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into your body. These sound waves bounce off the organs and tissues in your abdomen, and the echoes are picked up again by the same probe.

The machine then translates those echoes into real-time images. Because tissues and fluids reflect sound differently, the ultrasound can show your kidneys, bladder, ureters and any abnormalities in clear detail. This helps doctors examine the structure and function of your urinary tract without using any radiation.

The images are interpreted by a radiologist or trained clinician, who will look for any signs of fluid build-up, stones, cysts, structural issues or changes in organ size. These findings are then used to inform your next steps—whether that’s treatment, monitoring or simply peace of mind.

What equipment should I expect to see during an ultrasound scan?

You won’t need to worry about any complicated machinery. Your scan will involve:

• Ultrasound machine – this creates and interprets the sound waves

• Transducer (probe) – the handheld wand that moves across your tummy

• Ultrasound gel – a cool gel that helps the probe move smoothly and improves image quality

• Examination table – you’ll lie on this during the scan, usually on your back

What are the benefits of ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are often the first test doctors turn to for a reason:

• They’re completely non-invasive and radiation-free

• Most are finished in under an hour

• They’re suitable for all ages, including children and pregnant women

• They’re great for checking ongoing conditions over time

• Private appointments are usually available without long waits

• They offer a quick, accurate look at what’s happening inside

In addition to being fast and convenient, ultrasound scans are more cost-effective than other imaging methods. If you’re managing a long-term condition or need repeat imaging, this can make a big difference.

What are the risks and side effects?

A urinary tract ultrasound is one of the safest scans available. Most people don’t experience any side effects at all. You might feel a bit of pressure from the probe, especially if your bladder is full, but it shouldn’t be painful.

In rare cases, people might have a mild reaction to the gel, but this is very uncommon. You won’t need any recovery time or aftercare.

Ultrasounds don’t use any ionising radiation, which makes them safe for repeated use and for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.

How should I prepare for my urinary tract ultrasound?

Your clinic is likely to give you specific instructions, but here are some general tips:

• If you’re having your bladder scanned, you’ll usually be asked to drink plenty of water beforehand and avoid going to the loo – a full bladder helps the sonographer get clearer images

• Wear loose, comfy clothes

• You can eat normally unless told otherwise

• Keep taking any regular medications unless you’re advised not to

Try to arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushed. It’s also helpful to bring along any letters from your GP or referral forms. 

If you're not sure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask – your medical team will be happy to talk you through what to expect.

What happens during an ultrasound scan?

Here’s what usually happens during your scan:

1. Talking you through it - Your sonographer will explain what the scan involves and give you time to ask any questions.

2. Getting comfy - You’ll lie on an exam table, usually on your back. You might be asked to shift slightly to get better views.

3. Applying the gel - A small amount of water-based gel is spread over your lower tummy. It might feel a bit cold, but it helps the probe glide and gives better pictures.

4. Scanning begins - The sonographer gently presses the probe over your skin, capturing images of your bladder, kidneys and surrounding areas. You might be asked to hold your breath briefly or change position.

5. Using Doppler (if needed) - If blood flow needs to be checked, Doppler imaging may be added – this just means using a colour overlay to show how blood is moving through your kidneys.

6. Scan complete - The gel is wiped away, and you’re free to get dressed and go about your day.

7. Early feedback - Sometimes the sonographer might share their impressions straight away, but a final report will usually be reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your GP or consultant.

What happens after a urinary tract ultrasound?

There’s no recovery time needed and you can carry on with your day as normal. Once your report is ready, your doctor will talk you through the results and explain what (if anything) happens next. They might reassure you that everything looks normal, or they may offer you further tests or treatment depending on the findings.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend follow-up scans or blood and urine tests to get a more complete picture of your health.

How and when will I get my ultrasound results?

Your results will usually be ready within a few days – often quicker with private scans. The report will explain what was seen during your scan, including any stones, cysts, blockages or structural changes.

Your consultant will go over the results with you and discuss any next steps if needed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as it’s important you understand what the results mean for your health.

If something unexpected is found, your doctor might refer you for further imaging or to a urologist for specialist care. But in many cases, the results will simply provide peace of mind.

How much does a urinary tract ultrasound cost?

If you’re going private, a urinary tract ultrasound typically costs between £245 and £400 in the UK, depending on where you go and what type of scan you need. Many clinics offer quick appointments and fast results.

Prices can vary depending on whether you need a full renal and bladder scan or a focused bladder ultrasound. If Doppler imaging is included, the cost may be slightly higher.

If you’re having your scan through the NHS, it will be free, though waiting times may be much longer than if you book a private ultrasound.

How can I get a urinary tract ultrasound?

If you’ve been struggling with urinary symptoms, don’t wait and wonder. A private urinary tract ultrasound is an easy, straightforward way to check in with your health and get the answers you need.

You can speak to your GP for a referral or book directly with a private clinic. At Scan.com, we make it easy to find trusted, CQC-registered providers near you – so you can take the next step with confidence.

FAQs

What does an ultrasound of the urinary tract show?

It shows detailed images of your kidneys, bladder and ureters, helping doctors check for stones, swelling, tumours, blockages or signs of infection. It can also show how well your bladder is emptying.

How long does a bladder ultrasound take?

A typical bladder ultrasound takes 15–30 minutes. If you're having a full urinary tract scan or Doppler imaging, it might take a little longer, but most appointments are under an hour.

Sources:

Having a renal or urinary tract ultrasound scan. (2024). https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/default.asp?c=44315

Kidney and bladder ultrasound scan. (2024). https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/kidney-and-bladder-ultrasound-scan

Renal Ultrasound. (2024). https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/ultrasound-renal

Ultrasound scan. (2025). https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/ultrasound-scan/

Urinary Tract Imaging. (2020). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urinary-tract-imaging