Renal ultrasound

Your renal ultrasound will be carried out by one of our specialist consultant radiologists. They will ask you to lie on your side, before applying a gel to your transabdominal (pelvic) area. They will then gently move a small device, called a transducer, across your skin. As they do this, the transducer will emit ultrasound waves to generate images of your kidneys, bladder and prostate (in men).

You'll need to have a full bladder (where your urine is stored) during a renal ultrasound. So you'll most likely be asked to drink a litre of water 30 to 60 minutes prior to your scan. The renal ultrasound itself normally takes around 30 minutes in a diagnostics consultation room.

A renal ultrasound is a simple, minimally-invasive scan, so you'll be able to go home straight after. If required, your ultrasound images will be sent to your GP or consultant for further analysis. So you may be asked to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the scan.