Kidneys & Bladder Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
kidneys & bladder scan
What's included
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan, with results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
The urinary tract
A focused scan (also called a renal tract or KUB scan) of your kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Right kidney
Size, structure, stones, cysts, masses.
Left kidney
Size, structure, stones, cysts, masses.
Bladder
Wall thickness, contents, tumours, stones.
Ureteric jets
Confirms the ureters are draining normally.
Hydronephrosis check
Swelling of the kidney caused by a blockage.
Post-void residual
How well the bladder empties when you pass urine.
Prostate (men)
Size and outline, seen through the bladder.
Free fluid
Around the kidneys or in the pelvis.
Common reasons to book this scan
What we can identify
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for most urinary tract problems.
Kidney stones
Stones in the kidney or upper ureter, typically from around 5mm upwards.
Hydronephrosis
Swelling of the kidney caused by a blockage further downstream.
Kidney cysts & masses
Simple cysts, complex cysts and suspicious masses.
Bladder tumours
Bladder wall thickening or growths that are visible on ultrasound.
Bladder stones
Stones sitting within the bladder itself.
Prostate enlargement
A common cause of poor urine flow in men.
If we suspect a small stone in the mid-ureter, or need more detail, a CT KUB scan may be recommended and we can advise on the next step. If your symptoms are general tummy pain rather than urinary, the full abdomen scan covers the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen alongside the kidneys.
Preparation
How to prepare for your kidneys & bladder scan
A full bladder pushes the bowel out of the way and lets us see the bladder wall and surrounding structures clearly. If you arrive desperate, just tell us and we can let you use the loo.
If you have a catheter or an ongoing bladder problem, please let us know in advance and we'll adjust the prep to suit.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
Brief chat about your symptoms and history. Ask any questions.
The scan (20-30 mins)
You lie on your back with warm gel over your tummy and flanks, and may be asked to roll onto each side so the kidneys are easier to see. You empty your bladder near the end so we can check how well it drains.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end, so you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.
Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan… so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One price for a single-area scan. Add a second or third area in the same appointment for better value.
Kidneys & Bladder Ultrasound
- ✓Immediate results explained, plus written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
Bundle with another area
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓Common combos: kidneys + abdomen, kidneys + pelvis
- ✓Save £160 versus two separate scans
Three areas in one visit
- ✓Kidneys and bladder plus two other areas in one appointment
- ✓e.g. kidneys, full abdomen and pelvis
- ✓All three areas covered in a single visit
The 2 and 3-area prices cover any combination of areas. Book the matching option and tell the consultant which areas you would like scanned on the day.
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about kidneys & bladder ultrasound
How much does a private kidney and bladder ultrasound cost?
£260 all-inclusive at Acorn Private Clinic. Adding a second area in the same appointment, such as the full abdomen or the pelvis, is £360, and three areas is £399.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can self-refer online or by phone.
Can ultrasound detect kidney stones?
Yes. Ultrasound is well suited to kidney stones, particularly when there is associated hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney). Very small stones sitting in the mid-ureter can be hard to see, and may need a CT KUB to confirm.
How quickly can I get a scan?
Most appointments are available within 48-72 hours.
Do I need a full bladder?
Yes. Drink 1.5 pints of water in the hour before your appointment, and do not empty your bladder beforehand.
How long does the scan take?
About 20-30 minutes.
What if I can't hold my bladder that long?
Tell us when you arrive and you can use our loo. We only need the bladder full at the start of the scan.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. It uses sound waves rather than radiation, and is safe at all ages including in pregnancy.
I have blood in my urine. What investigations do I need?
Ultrasound is the usual first step, as it checks the kidneys and bladder together. Depending on what we find, a cystoscopy or CT urogram may follow, and we can advise on the right route and refer you on.
Will the prostate be checked too?
We assess prostate size and outline through the bladder (a transabdominal view). For detailed prostate assessment, a transrectal scan or an MRI is needed instead.
Can I claim on health insurance?
Most UK insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA) cover diagnostic kidney ultrasound where there is a clinical indication. Coverage varies by policy, so check with your insurer for an authorisation code and bring it to your appointment.
Where can I get a kidney ultrasound near Cardiff?
Acorn Private Clinic in Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff, with free street parking.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private kidneys and bladder ultrasound. Consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.