Kidneys & Bladder Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
kidneys & bladder scan
What's included for £260
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan — 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 Renal Tract or KUB) 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 ureters are draining normally.
Hydronephrosis check
Swelling from blockage.
Post-void residual
Bladder emptying assessment.
Prostate (men)
Size and outline (transabdominal view).
Free fluid
Around kidneys or in the pelvis.
Common reasons to book this scan
What we can identify
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging for most urinary tract problems.
Kidney stones
Stones in the kidney or upper ureter (5mm+).
Hydronephrosis
Swelling of the kidney from a blockage downstream.
Kidney cysts & masses
Simple cysts, complex cysts, suspicious masses.
Bladder tumours
Visible bladder wall thickening or growths.
Bladder stones
Stones in the bladder.
Prostate enlargement
Common cause of poor urine flow in men.
If we suspect a small stone in the ureter or need more detail, a CT KUB scan may be recommended.
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 structures clearly. If you arrive desperate, we can let you use the loo — just tell us.
If you have a catheter or bladder problems, please let us know in advance — we'll adjust the prep.
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)
Lie on your back, warm gel applied to your abdomen. Consultant explains findings as they scan.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end — 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 simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.
Kidneys & Bladder Ultrasound
- ✓Immediate results explained & 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 available at booking
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
See what an abdomen ultrasound involves
Our patient information video walks you through how to prepare, what happens during the scan and what to expect afterwards. About 2 minutes long.
The playlist includes videos for Abdomen, Pelvis, Testicular, Neck, Lump, DVT, Groin and Steroid injections.
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.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — self-refer online or by phone.
Can ultrasound detect kidney stones?
Yes — ultrasound is excellent for kidney stones, particularly when associated with hydronephrosis (kidney swelling). Very small stones in the mid-ureter may need CT to confirm.
How quickly can I get a scan?
Most appointments within 48-72 hours.
Do I need a full bladder?
Yes — drink 1.5 pints of water in the hour before. 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 — you can use our loo. We just need the bladder full at the start of the scan.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes — no radiation, safe for all ages including pregnancy.
I have blood in my urine — what investigations do I need?
Ultrasound is the first step. Depending on findings, a cystoscopy or CT urogram may follow. We can advise.
Will the prostate be checked too?
We assess prostate size and outline through the bladder (transabdominal view). For detailed prostate assessment, a separate transrectal scan or MRI is needed.
Can I claim on health insurance?
Most UK insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality) cover diagnostic kidney ultrasound.
Where can I get a kidney ultrasound near Cardiff?
Acorn Private Clinic in Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private abdomen ultrasound — consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.