General Ultrasound
Renal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Examines both kidneys, the ureters where they can be seen, and the bladder before and after you empty it. The usual first test for recurrent urine infections, blood in the urine, suspected stones or declining kidney function.
- Duration
- 20 minutes
- Price
- €140, report included
About this scan
What this scan involves
A renal ultrasound assesses the size, shape and internal structure of both kidneys, and looks at the bladder full and then emptied. It is quick, involves no radiation and no dye, and is safe whatever your kidney function, which is why it is usually the first imaging test requested.
Why the bladder is scanned twice
The bladder is imaged full, then you empty it and it is imaged again to measure what is left behind. A significant residual volume points towards an obstruction or a bladder that is not emptying properly, and it is one of the more useful measurements in the whole examination, particularly for men with urinary symptoms.
Stones, and the limits of ultrasound
Ultrasound reliably shows stones in the kidney and at the bladder, and shows swelling of the kidney caused by an obstruction. It is less reliable for stones in the middle part of the ureter, which is hidden behind bowel gas. If a stone is strongly suspected and the ultrasound is normal, a CT scan is the test that settles it, and the report will say so.
Blood in the urine needs a full answer
Visible blood in the urine should always be investigated, and ultrasound is one part of that. A normal scan does not exclude a bladder problem, because the bladder lining is better assessed by cystoscopy. The report will make clear what has and has not been ruled out so that your GP can decide what comes next.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- Both kidneys: size, position, and cortical thickness
- Any obstruction or swelling of the collecting system
- Kidney stones and cysts
- The ureters, where visible
- The bladder wall and contents, with the bladder full
- The volume left behind after you empty your bladder
- In men, the prostate as seen from the bladder
What's included
€140, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist, including the post-void residual volume
- The report to your GP within three working days, with your consent
- Urgent findings telephoned to you and your GP on the day
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Blood in the urine
- Suspected kidney stones
- Impaired kidney function
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
Drink one litre of water in the hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder. The scan needs it full at the start. Eat normally and take regular medication as usual.
During the scan
You lie on the couch and the sonographer scans your flanks and abdomen with warm gel, asking you to breathe in and hold at points, and to roll onto each side so the kidneys can be seen from behind the ribs. The bladder is scanned, then you are asked to empty it and return for a short second look. Allow about twenty minutes in total.
After your scan
No after-effects, and you can drive yourself home. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP with your consent.
How to prepare
Attend with a comfortably full bladder. Drink one litre of water in the hour before your appointment.
Book your Renal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound
€140 including the consultant report, 20 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself. Bringing a referral letter helps, because the specific question, whether stones, infection or function, shapes how the scan is performed.
What if I cannot hold my bladder that long?
Tell us when you arrive. We would rather give you a short wait and a glass of water than scan an empty bladder. If holding it is genuinely difficult, mention it when you book and we will plan the appointment around it.
Will this find a kidney stone?
It reliably shows stones in the kidney itself and at the bladder, and shows the swelling an obstructing stone causes. Stones in the middle of the ureter can be hidden by bowel gas; if the picture is not conclusive the report will recommend CT.
Is it safe with poor kidney function?
Yes. Ultrasound uses no radiation and no contrast dye, so unlike some other imaging it carries no risk to the kidneys at all.
Do I need to stop my medication?
No. Take everything as normal.
Also consider
Other general ultrasound scans
20–30 minutes
Abdominal Ultrasound
Examines the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and the major abdominal blood vessels.
€150 · 20–30 minutes
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Pelvic Ultrasound
Assesses the uterus, ovaries and bladder, or the prostate and bladder, depending on your anatomy.
€150 · 20–30 minutes
40 minutes
Abdomen & Pelvis Ultrasound
Both examinations in a single appointment, covering the upper abdominal organs and the pelvic organs together.
€210 · 40 minutes