Private Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound in Portsmouth & Southampton
Expert urinary ultrasound with same-day results
A detailed assessment of both kidneys and the bladder, including bladder emptying and the prostate in men where appropriate, helping investigate urinary symptoms, kidney pain, recurrent infections and suspected stones.
£199 · Same-day digital report · No GP referral required
Is Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound Right for Me?
You may wish to consider a kidney and bladder ultrasound if you are experiencing:
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Kidney, flank or lower back pain
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
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Blood in the urine
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Frequent urination
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Sudden urinary urgency
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Difficulty passing urine
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A weak or interrupted urine stream
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A feeling that your bladder does not empty fully
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Urinary retention
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A history of kidney stones
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Known kidney cysts
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Abnormal kidney blood-test results
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Concerns about prostate enlargement
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Follow-up of a previously identified kidney or bladder finding
For men, the scan includes an abdominal prostate ultrasound and a post-void residual urine measurement to help assess prostate size and bladder emptying.
You can self-refer directly to MedHealth Ultrasound without needing a GP referral.
What Does a Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound Examine?
Kidneys
Both kidneys are assessed for size, shape, position and general ultrasound appearance. The scan may identify visible kidney cysts, kidney stones, dilatation or other structural abnormalities.
Renal Collecting Systems
The drainage system within each kidney is assessed for dilatation, also known as hydronephrosis, which may occur when the normal flow of urine is obstructed.
Ureters
The ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Portions of the ureters may be assessed where visible, although they are not always fully seen on ultrasound.
Urinary Bladder
The urinary bladder is assessed while comfortably full. Its outline, wall and contents are examined for visible abnormalities, including bladder stones, focal changes or other identifiable findings.
Bladder Emptying
You will usually be asked to empty your bladder during the appointment. A post-void residual urine measurement is then performed to assess how much urine remains and whether the bladder is emptying effectively.
Prostate Assessment for Men
For men, the prostate is assessed through the lower abdomen. Its approximate size, volume and general ultrasound appearance are documented as part of the kidney, bladder and prostate ultrasound examination.
Why Patients Choose Us
Private diagnostics, run with NHS‑grade governance.
We built MedHealth around the two things private ultrasound is usually missing: speed and rigour. Every clinic operates under CQC regulation, every sonographer is HCPC‑registered, and every report follows the same clinical standards as an NHS imaging department.
✓ No GP referral required
✓ Findings explained during your scan
✓ Written report the same day
✓ Sonographer-led clinical governance
What Happens During a Kidney & Bladder Ultrasound?
Your sonographer will discuss your symptoms and medical history before examining both kidneys and your comfortably full bladder.
For men, the prostate is also assessed. You will then be asked to empty your bladder so any remaining urine can be measured.
Where appropriate, your findings will be explained before you leave and your digital report is provided the same day.
Preparing for Your Scan
Please drink approximately one litre of water during the hour before your appointment and arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
You may eat normally and take your usual medication. Please contact us if a medical condition makes maintaining a full bladder difficult.
What Happens if Something Is Found?
Any findings will be clearly documented and explained where appropriate. Depending on the results, you may be advised to share your report with your GP or urologist or have further investigation or follow-up.
Limitations of Ultrasound
Ultrasound cannot identify every cause of urinary symptoms. Small kidney or ureteric stones may not always be visible, and further imaging may occasionally be required.
In men, ultrasound can assess prostate size but cannot diagnose or exclude prostate cancer.
If symptoms persist or worsen despite reassuring findings, further medical assessment is recommended.