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Scan results summary before you leave
Price
£139
Offpeak
£129
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See how our price compares with Harley Street →What's included in the Kidney Scan
Full Kidney & Urinary Check +/- Prostate Size
Checks for kidney stones, cysts, swelling (hydronephrosis), infection signs & pain causes
Comprehensive Assessment of Organs
Formal written ultrasound report in 24 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
About the Kidney Scan
A Private Kidney Scan (KUB or Renal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound) is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic ultrasound examination designed to evaluate the health of your kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder.
Using advanced high-frequency sound waves, this scan provides real-time, high-resolution imaging of your renal system without using harmful ionizing radiation or invasive dyes. Performed by our expert HCPC-registered healthcare specialists, a private kidney scan offers instant clinical clarity regarding unexplained flank or lower back pain, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), or suspected kidney stones—all with no GP referral needed.
Objective of the scan
The primary objective of a private renal scan is to thoroughly evaluate the anatomical structure, tissue health, and operational efficiency of your urinary system. Key objectives include:
Structural Assessment: Evaluating the size, shape, position, and internal tissue integrity of both kidneys.
Blockage & Stone Identification: Detecting obstructions, or renal calculi (kidney stones) along the urinary tract.
Bladder Function Checks: If symptomatic measuring pre- and post-void bladder volumes to assess urine retention or incomplete emptying.
Pain & Infection Investigation: Identifying if any underlying causes of persistent flank pain, blood in the urine (haematuria), or frequent UTIs is visible.
Need a broader check of your upper abdomen? Consider our comprehensive Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan, which evaluates the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen alongside the kidneys.
Why choose us for your Private Kidney Scan
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
Stones in the kidney, swelling of the collecting system from a blockage, and kidney size, outline and tissue appearance.
What happens next
A verbal summary before you leave and a written report within 24 hours for your GP or urology. Marked obstruction with pain and fever is flagged for urgent care.
What the scan looks for
Stones, a mass in the kidney, and the bladder wall and lining for thickening, stones or a visible growth.
What happens next
We explain the findings on the day and send a written report within 24 hours. Blood in the urine is always referred on to urology for full assessment.
What the scan looks for
Structural causes of recurrent infection: obstruction, kidney scarring, bladder stones and how completely your bladder empties.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours including bladder volumes where measured, for your GP or urology team.
What the scan looks for
Bladder volume before and after you pass urine, bladder wall thickening, and whether pressure has backed up to the kidneys.
What happens next
A verbal overview on the day and a written report within 24 hours with the residual volume, for your GP or urologist.
What the scan looks for
The number, size and internal features of your cysts, and whether any has developed septations or solid areas.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours with current measurements. Any cyst that no longer looks simple is recommended for further imaging or urology review.
What the scan looks for
Prostate size and outline, bladder wall thickening, and how much urine is left behind after you pass water.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours with the measurements for your GP or urologist, who read it alongside a PSA blood test.
Please note: Ultrasound often can't see stones sitting part-way down the ureter, and it can't measure how well your kidneys are filtering or confirm whether a mass is cancerous. Blood tests, a CT KUB or MRI are used for those.
Why do I need a Kidney Scan?
You may benefit from a private kidney scan if you are experiencing unexplained symptoms or require rapid peace of mind without waiting on NHS waiting lists. Common reasons patients book include:
Persistent Flank or Lower Back Pain: Sharp or aching pain in the side or lower back below the ribs.
Changes in Urination: Painful urination, increased frequency, sudden urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Blood in Your Urine (Haematuria): Visible pink, red, or brownish urine requiring immediate diagnostic investigation.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections that may stem from an underlying blockage or structural issue.
Family History or Existing Conditions: Monitoring known kidney cysts, tracking stone progression, or managing high blood pressure concerns.
Fast-Track Diagnostic Peace of Mind: Accessing same-day appointments and receiving your formal report within 24 hours at a CQC-inspected & approved clinic.
📚 To learn more about maintaining optimal renal and digestive health, explore expert clinical articles in our Health Hub.
Why do I need a Kidney Scan?
You may benefit from a private kidney scan if you are experiencing unexplained symptoms or require rapid peace of mind without waiting on NHS waiting lists. Common reasons patients book include:
Persistent Flank or Lower Back Pain: Sharp or aching pain in the side or lower back below the ribs.
Changes in Urination: Painful urination, increased frequency, sudden urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Blood in Your Urine (Haematuria): Visible pink, red, or brownish urine requiring immediate diagnostic investigation.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections that may stem from an underlying blockage or structural issue.
Family History or Existing Conditions: Monitoring known kidney cysts, tracking stone progression, or managing high blood pressure concerns.
Fast-Track Diagnostic Peace of Mind: Accessing same-day appointments and receiving your formal report within 24 hours at a CQC-inspected & approved clinic.
📚 To learn more about maintaining optimal renal and digestive health, explore expert clinical articles in our Health Hub.
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
Kidneys
Bladder
Prostate (Men)What can the Kidney Scan detect?
Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology provides detailed imaging to detect and monitor a wide range of renal and urinary conditions:
🪨 Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Pinpoints the precise location and size of mineral deposits within the kidneys or ureters.
💧 Kidney Cysts & Lesions: Differentiates between harmless, fluid-filled simple cysts and complex structural changes requiring further review.
🌊 Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling): Identifies fluid backup and swelling caused by urinary blockages or structural narrowing.
🚽 Bladder Abnormalities: Checks for bladder wall thickening, bladder stones, polyps, or incomplete bladder emptying.
🦠 Signs of Chronic or Acute Infection: Detects structural signs of pyelonephritis (kidney infection) or long-term scarring.
🩸 Renal Masses & Tumors: Identifies abnormal solid growths or tissue masses for early medical intervention.
Benefits of the Kidney Scan
⚡ Zero Waiting Lists & Same-Day Availability: Avoid lengthy NHS waiting times with flexible appointment slots available 6 days a week—including evenings and weekends. Simply arrive at your scheduled time with zero queues or delay.
🖥️ 4K High-Definition Precision: Watch your scan in real-time on high-resolution 4K screens. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology delivers exceptionally clear imaging of your kidneys and bladder for maximum diagnostic accuracy.
🩺 Expert, Compassionate Care: Your scan is conducted by highly experienced, HCPC-registered healthcare specialists who prioritize your comfort, guiding you gently through every step of your urinary tract examination.
📋 Prompt, Direct Results: Receive an immediate verbal overview from your clinician right after your scan, followed by a comprehensive, formal written medical report delivered digitally within 24 hours.
💰 Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Exceptional private healthcare without the premium price tag. Clear, upfront rates with no hidden fees, extra charges, or GP referral costs.
🩸 One-Stop Health Testing: Combine your kidney ultrasound with comprehensive private blood tests (such as Kidney Function Tests / eGFR) or urine analysis during the same visit for a complete renal health evaluation under one roof.
📍 Convenient London Location: Situated just a 5-minute walk from Gants Hill Central Line Tube Station with free on-site parking available for hassle-free access.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
Full bladder
- A comfortably full bladder is required for this scan – Please drink 0.5 litres of fluid approximately 30 minutes or so before your scheduled appointment and kindly try your best not to empty your bladder before the examination.
- You may maintain your normal medication regime.
- You can eat as normal.
On the day
During the scan, you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, hence we advise to wear suitable loose clothing and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be placed over your skin.
An ultrasound camera (‘probe’) will then be placed on top and moved along and around the area. This results in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor and patient TV which will be translated by the clinical specialist/ medical practitioner.
The ultrasound scan itself usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. At the end of the scan, a verbal summary of the results will be provided, as well as your opportunity to ask any questions.
Over the tummy
Transabdominal
Warm gel on the lower abdomen and a handheld probe moved across the area. A comfortably full bladder gives the clearest view.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
More about the Kidney Scan
Common Findings Explained
🪨 Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis):
Hardened mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. Ultrasound accurately detects stone location, size, and whether a stone is blocking urine flow along the urinary tract.
💧 Kidney Cysts (Simple & Complex):
Fluid-filled sacs located on or within the kidney tissue. Most cysts are benign (harmless) simple cysts, but ultrasound helps differentiate them from complex cysts that require monitoring.
🌊 Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling):
Swelling of one or both kidneys caused by a build-up of urine when a blockage (such as a kidney stone or structural narrowing) prevents normal drainage.
🚽 Bladder Wall Changes & Residual Volume:
Ultrasound assesses bladder wall thickness, checks for polyps or stones, and measures how efficiently your bladder empties after urination.
🧬 Renal Mass or Structural Variation:
Identifies benign tissue growths, structural variations (like a horseshoe kidney), or localized tissue changes that require further clinical review.
📚 Want to learn more about maintaining your urinary and overall health? Explore expert clinical advice, lifestyle guides, and condition overviews in our Health Hub.
What patients say
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Common Questions
How much is a kidney scan in the UK?
The cost of a private kidney ultrasound scan varies wildly but can start from as low as £130. The exact cost you pay will vary depending on the clinic you choose and the type of kidney scan required.
What are the 3 early warning signs of kidney disease?
The three most common early warning signs of kidney disease include swelling in your hands or feet, high blood pressure and protein in your urine. Some people also report having bloody urine and urinary tract infections.
What is the kidney scan looking for?
A kidney scan looks at the size, position and shape of the kidneys and how they are working. It will show if there are any signs of damage to the kidneys or certain abnormalities such as swelling or kidney stones.
How long does a kidney scan take?
The private kidney scan procedure itself typically takes 15-20 minutes and results are commonly given verbally following your scab.
Otherwise, a government facility might take longer because of the long queues you might find at the facility and results will often take much longer.
Can a scan show kidney damage?
A kidney scan might show abnormalities in the size or shape of the kidneys that might suggest kidney damage or disease. However, additional testing and imaging, like a CT scan or MRI scan, might be used to confirm the damage and its extent.
Do you need to drink before a kidney scan?
Yes. You will need to have a full bladder for your kidney scan by drinking a substantial amount of fluid such as water or squash an hour or so before the scan without using the restroom.
Unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider, you can eat and drink as normal on the day of the test.
Book your Kidney Scan
Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East in Gants Hill, with a verbal summary before you leave.
Standard price£139
Off-peak price£129
Off-peak discount is applied automatically at checkout. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find us
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.
Recommended reading
Kidneys and Kidney Ultrasound – A helpful guide for you
A kidney ultrasound, also known as a renal ultrasound, is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. This non-invasive…
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Recommended reading
Why Have a Kidney, Prostate, and Bladder Scan?
A kidney ultrasound, also known as a renal ultrasound, is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. This non-invasive…
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More about the Kidney Scan
Learn more about this scan, the areas it covers and ultrasound in general in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub
Medically reviewed by
Mr. Mohammad Usman
Clinical Lead and Consultant Sonographer