A renal ultrasound is a painless scan of the kidneys and urinary tract that shows their size, structure and any obstruction, stones or cysts. At LPHG it costs £250 and needs no GP referral. It helps investigate flank pain, blood in the urine and abnormal kidney function, with a written report.
What this scan shows
- The size and structure of both kidneys
- Kidney stones and signs of obstruction
- Cysts and other kidney masses
- Swelling of the kidney from a blockage
- The upper urinary tract
- Changes linked to reduced kidney function
What it cannot show
- How well the kidneys are filtering, which blood tests assess
- Very small stones, which may need a CT scan
- The bladder lining in detail, which a cystoscopy assesses
Our renal ultrasound is a painless scan of the kidneys and urinary tract, assessing their size, structure and any obstruction, stones or cysts.
It helps investigate flank pain, blood in the urine and abnormal kidney function, with a written report issued after the scan.
Book your renal (kidney) ultrasound
Report within 24 hours. No GP referral needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral for a renal ultrasound?
No. You can book the scan directly. If it shows something that needs onward care, our urologist can advise on the next steps.
Do I need to prepare for the scan?
For the kidneys alone, no special preparation is needed. If the bladder is also being scanned, please arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
Does the scan hurt?
No. It is painless. A sonographer applies gel to the back and side and moves a probe over the area. You may be asked to breathe in and hold your breath briefly.
Can it find kidney stones?
Ultrasound detects many stones and signs of obstruction, but very small stones may need a CT scan. The sonographer or urologist will advise if further imaging is helpful.
When will I get my results?
A written report is issued after the scan, and our urologist can advise on any next steps if needed.