Renal Ultrasound
Renal Ultrasound
Essential information
A renal ultrasound scan is typically recommended to investigate symptoms such as flank pain, urinary problems, or abnormal kidney-related blood or urine test results. Your doctor may also refer you if they detect concerns related to your kidneys during a physical examination or follow-up of a known renal condition.
Amongst other conditions, a renal ultrasound scan can detect kidney stones, cysts, tumours, congenital abnormalities of the renal tract, prostate-related problems, and changes caused by infection or trauma affecting the kidneys and urinary system.
Ultrasound may be one of several investigations you require, and you should consult your doctor to ensure that any other necessary tests or onward referrals are arranged.
Why should I choose MedicalUltrasound.co.uk for my renal ultrasound?
- Experienced Sonographer Led Renal Imaging
Your renal ultrasound is performed by an experienced Sonographer with expertise in abdominal and urinary tract imaging, ensuring accurate assessment of the kidneys and related structures. - Focused Kidney and Urinary Tract Assessment
The scan is specifically designed to assess kidney size, structure, and position, and to identify findings such as stones, cysts, hydronephrosis, or structural abnormalities that may explain symptoms or abnormal blood or urine tests. - High Quality Real Time Ultrasound Imaging
We use modern ultrasound technology to produce clear, real-time images that support reliable evaluation of the kidneys and upper urinary tract. - Safe, Non-Invasive and Radiation-Free Investigation
Renal ultrasound does not involve radiation and is non-invasive, making it suitable as a first-line investigation and for repeat monitoring where required. - Clear Clinical Reporting for Onward Care
A signed clinical report is produced following your scan and shared with your GP or referring clinician to support diagnosis, monitoring, further investigation, or onward referral where appropriate.
Medical Ultrasound provides structured renal imaging that supports accurate diagnosis and informed clinical decision-making within your wider healthcare pathway.
How long is the appointment?
The appointment usually takes around 20 minutes to complete.
How much does it cost?
The cost of this scan is £95.
You can combine this scan with any other scan for an additional £60
Please note that this may not be possible for certain packages, such as musculoskeletal scans, vascular scans, etc, because this is a specialist area and only Sonographers with a specific interest in this field will be able to carry out the examination.
When should you get a Renal Ultrasound?
You may be advised to have a renal ultrasound if you have symptoms or findings that require closer examination. This scan helps assess the kidneys, bladder, prostate region, and the upper urinary tract to identify structural causes of pain or abnormal test results.
A renal ultrasound may be appropriate if you have:
- Persistent or recurring abdominal or flank pain
- Visible or microscopic blood in the urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Changes in kidney function on blood tests
- Difficulty passing urine or concerns related to the prostate
- A history of kidney stones or suspected new stones
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, or around the eyes
- High blood pressure may relate to kidney health
- A request from your GP or specialist for further assessment
- Follow up after previous imaging or known kidney conditions
A renal ultrasound is often one of the first investigations because it is safe, quick, and provides real-time information without radiation. It helps your clinician understand the cause of your symptoms and supports appropriate next steps in your care.
How should you prepare for the scan?
Please do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your appointment. You may sip small amounts of water throughout the day if needed.
You will also be asked to attend with a full bladder, so we advise drinking 2 pints of water prior to your appointment unless instructed otherwise.
What will you experience during the examination?
The examination will be carried out by a qualified Sonographer. The procedure is non-invasive and painless. The Sonographer will move a transducer lubricated with warm gel over your abdomen to obtain the necessary images of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Your bladder volume may need to be checked before and after passing urine, so you may be asked to visit the toilet during your appointment.
You are welcome to ask questions at any point during the examination.
When do you get the results?
We will send a signed report of our findings to your doctor. You should then arrange an appointment with your GP, who will explain the results to you.
Your doctor is best placed to discuss your results because they will have access to your full medical history, blood tests, and any other investigations that may be relevant.
Renal Ultrasound FAQs
At MedicalUltrasound.co.uk, diagnostic accuracy, clinical clarity, and patient reassurance are central to every examination. This FAQ guide covers the most common questions about renal ultrasound, including when it is recommended, what the scan assesses, how kidney findings are interpreted, and what happens after your appointment.
The information explains how renal ultrasound is used to assess the kidneys and upper urinary tract in relation to symptoms such as flank pain, recurrent urinary infections, blood in the urine, or abnormal kidney blood test results. It outlines the role of ultrasound in identifying kidney stones, cysts, obstruction, swelling of the kidneys, and other structural abnormalities that may require monitoring or further investigation.
Each question is presented in two parts.
A Short answer for quick reference
An In-depth answer to provide a clinical explanation and context
Whether you have been referred by your GP or are arranging a private scan, this guide is designed to help you understand the purpose of a renal ultrasound, what to expect during the examination, and how the results support diagnosis, reassurance, or onward care, delivered by experienced diagnostic Sonographers.
What is a renal ultrasound?
A renal ultrasound is a scan used to assess the kidneys and upper urinary tract.
Renal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the kidneys and surrounding structures. It is commonly used to investigate flank pain, abnormal kidney blood tests, recurrent urinary infections, or blood in the urine. The scan assesses kidney size, shape, position, and internal structure without using radiation, making it a safe first-line investigation.
What does a renal ultrasound assess?
It assesses kidney structure, size, and drainage.
A renal ultrasound evaluates both kidneys for stones, cysts, swelling, scarring, or structural abnormalities. It also assesses for hydronephrosis, which is swelling of the kidney caused by impaired urine drainage. In some cases, the bladder is also reviewed to provide additional context. Findings are interpreted alongside symptoms, blood tests, and urine results.
Can a renal ultrasound detect kidney stones?
Yes. It can detect many kidney stones and their effects.
Renal ultrasound can identify kidney stones, particularly those within the kidney itself, and can detect secondary signs such as obstruction or swelling. Very small stones or stones located in certain parts of the ureter may not always be seen directly. If stones are suspected but not clearly visible, your GP may consider further imaging.
Can a renal ultrasound detect kidney cysts?
Yes. Kidney cysts are commonly identified on ultrasound.
Ultrasound is very effective at detecting kidney cysts and distinguishing simple cysts from more complex ones based on appearance. Simple cysts are common and often benign, particularly with increasing age. Complex cysts may require follow-up or further imaging depending on their features and your clinical history.
Can a renal ultrasound explain flank or back pain?
It can identify kidney-related causes of pain.
Renal ultrasound may identify stones, obstruction, infection-related swelling, or other structural abnormalities that can cause flank or back pain. However, not all causes of pain are kidney-related, and a normal scan does not exclude muscular or spinal causes. Your GP will interpret results in context.
Can a renal ultrasound detect a kidney infection?
It can show indirect signs but does not diagnose infection alone.
Ultrasound may show kidney swelling, altered appearance, or obstruction associated with infection, but kidney infections are primarily diagnosed based on symptoms, urine tests, and blood results. Ultrasound is useful to rule out complications or underlying structural causes when infection is suspected or recurrent.
Do I need to drink water before a renal ultrasound?
Yes, in many cases, a partially full bladder is helpful.
You may be asked to drink water before your scan to ensure the bladder is adequately filled. This can help improve the assessment of the lower urinary tract and provide additional information about kidney drainage. Follow the specific preparation instructions provided with your appointment.
Is a renal ultrasound painful?
No. The scan is painless and well-tolerated.
Renal ultrasound is non-invasive and does not involve needles or injections. You may feel mild pressure as the probe is moved over your abdomen or flank, but this should not cause discomfort. The scan is usually completed within 20 minutes.
Can medication affect renal ultrasound results?
Most medications do not affect ultrasound imaging.
Medications do not usually interfere with ultrasound images. However, some treatments may affect kidney function, which is interpreted through blood tests rather than imaging alone. Your GP will consider scan findings alongside your medication history and test results.
Will the Sonographer tell me the results during the scan?
Results are provided in a formal written report.
The Sonographer may explain what they are assessing, but does not usually give a diagnosis. A signed report is sent to your GP or referring clinician, who will discuss the findings and advise on next steps.
Can a renal ultrasound detect kidney swelling?
Yes. It is very effective at identifying swelling.
Ultrasound can detect hydronephrosis, which is swelling of the kidney caused by impaired urine drainage. This may be due to stones, strictures, or bladder-related causes. Identifying swelling early helps guide further investigation and management.
Can a renal ultrasound detect kidney failure?
It cannot directly diagnose kidney failure.
Kidney failure is diagnosed using blood tests that measure kidney function. Ultrasound helps assess structural causes of impaired function, such as obstruction, scarring, or abnormal kidney size. It supports diagnosis but does not replace laboratory testing.
Can a renal ultrasound detect tumours?
It can detect masses but cannot confirm cancer.
Ultrasound can identify kidney masses or lesions and describe their size and appearance. It cannot determine whether a mass is cancerous. If a suspicious lesion is found, your GP may arrange further imaging, such as CT or MRI, for definitive assessment.
Can a renal ultrasound be repeated safely?
Yes. It does not use radiation.
Renal ultrasound is safe for repeat monitoring, making it suitable for follow-up of cysts, stones, or chronic kidney conditions. Repeat scans may be recommended depending on findings and clinical context.
Is renal ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
Yes. It is safe and commonly used.
Ultrasound does not use radiation and is considered safe during pregnancy. Renal ultrasound is often used to investigate flank pain or suspected obstruction in pregnant patients. Findings are interpreted in the context of pregnancy-related anatomical changes.
Can a renal ultrasound detect blood clots?
No. It does not assess blood clots directly.
Renal ultrasound assesses kidney structure and drainage rather than blood clots. Vascular imaging or other tests may be required if a clot is suspected. Your GP will choose the appropriate investigation based on symptoms.
Can a renal ultrasound assess both kidneys?
Yes. Both kidneys are always assessed.
A standard renal ultrasound examines both kidneys for comparison, even if symptoms are one-sided. This helps identify asymmetry or bilateral disease and supports accurate interpretation.
Do I need a referral for a renal ultrasound?
A referral is helpful but not always required privately.
Renal ultrasound is commonly requested by a GP or specialist. Private scans may be booked directly, but results should always be shared with your GP to ensure appropriate follow-up and continuity of care.
How long does a renal ultrasound take?
Most scans take around 15 to 20 minutes.
The scan duration depends on image quality and whether additional views are required. You can return to normal activities immediately after the scan.
How long does a renal ultrasound take?
Most scans take around 15 to 20 minutes.
The scan duration depends on image quality and whether additional views are required. You can return to normal activities immediately after the scan.
What happens after my renal ultrasound?
Your GP will review the report and advise next steps.
After the scan, a signed report is sent to your GP or referring clinician. They will explain the findings and advise whether reassurance, monitoring, further tests, or referral is required.
To book, call: 0141 221 2496 or email[email protected]
To book, call: 0141 221 2496 or email[email protected]
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