Urological ultrasound assesses the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and (in men) the prostate gland. It is the first-line imaging investigation for haematuria (blood in the urine), recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary frequency, incomplete bladder emptying, loin pain, and suspected renal or bladder pathology. It is non-invasive, does not use ionising radiation, and provides real-time information about the structure and function of the urinary tract.
Renal ultrasound can identify kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), hydronephrosis (dilatation of the renal collecting system due to obstruction), renal cysts, renal masses, and changes consistent with chronic kidney disease. Kidney stones appear as echogenic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing. Renal cysts are classified using the Bosniak classification system — simple cysts (Bosniak I) are benign; complex cysts (Bosniak III/IV) may require further investigation or intervention.
Bladder ultrasound assesses the bladder wall for thickening, irregularity, or masses, and measures post-void residual volume — the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after voiding. A post-void residual of greater than 100 ml is clinically significant and may indicate bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor underactivity. Bladder stones and diverticula are also identified.
Transabdominal prostate ultrasound measures prostate volume and assesses for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men over 50. Prostate volume measurement is included in our kidney, bladder, and prostate scan. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for prostate biopsy guidance is not performed at Sonoworld.
Haematuria is one of the most alarming symptoms a patient can experience — blood in the urine is frightening, and the wait for an NHS urology appointment can be weeks or months. A pattern we see regularly is the patient who has experienced a single episode of haematuria, has been referred by their GP to the NHS two-week-wait haematuria clinic, and books a private renal and bladder ultrasound in the interim. In many cases, the scan identifies a benign cause such as a kidney stone or urinary tract infection. In a smaller proportion of cases, the scan identifies a bladder or renal lesion that requires urgent investigation. In both scenarios, the private scan provides information that changes the patient's experience of the waiting period and supports the NHS clinical pathway.
Drawn from typical cases seen at our Marylebone clinic. This is a composite scenario representative of patterns we encounter regularly.
We offer a full range of urological ultrasound services, including kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB) scan (£235) and kidney, bladder, and prostate scan (£235). No GP referral is required. A full bladder is required for bladder assessment — drink one litre of water one hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder.
Yes. Renal ultrasound can identify solid renal masses that may represent renal cell carcinoma. If a suspicious renal mass is identified, the report will recommend CT or MRI for further characterisation and GP follow-up for urgent referral.
A full bladder is required for bladder assessment and post-void residual measurement. For kidney-only assessment, a full bladder is not required. Your appointment confirmation will specify the preparation required for your specific scan.
Available Monday to Saturday at our Marylebone clinic. No GP referral needed. Instant verbal results. Written report within 24 hours.
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