What is an Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan?

An Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the abdominal organs and urinary system. It does not use ionising radiation and is considered very safe.

This combined scan assesses the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, ureters and bladder in one appointment. It allows clinicians to evaluate organ size, structure, fluid collections, stones and bladder emptying.

By combining abdominal and urinary tract assessment, this scan provides a comprehensive overview when symptoms overlap or blood and urine tests are abnormal.

Why do I need an Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan?

This scan is recommended when symptoms or investigations suggest a possible issue affecting both abdominal organs and the urinary system. It helps identify the cause, location and severity of problems quickly and accurately.

You may need an Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan if you experience:

• Abdominal or flank pain
• Lower back pain related to the kidneys
• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Pain or difficulty passing urine
• Abnormal liver or kidney blood test results
• Suspected gallstones or kidney stones
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Reduced urine output or urinary retention
• Monitoring of known abdominal or urinary conditions

Early imaging supports timely diagnosis and helps prevent complications.

Benefits of an Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan

• Comprehensive assessment in one scan
  Evaluates abdominal organs and urinary tract together.
• Safe, radiation-free imaging
  Suitable for repeated use and monitoring.
• Real-time organ assessment
  Visualises movement, fluid and blood flow.
• Detects stones and obstruction
  Identifies gallstones, kidney stones and urinary blockage.
• Evaluates kidney and bladder function
  Assesses kidney size and bladder emptying.
• Fast and accessible
  Often performed and explained on the same day.
• Non-invasive and painless
  No needles or injections required in most cases.
• Cost-effective diagnostic option
  Often avoids unnecessary CT or invasive tests.

Step-by-Step – How We Offer Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scans

Clinic-Based Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Scan (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your scheduled appointment
• The scan typically takes 20–30 minutes
• Performed by an experienced clinician
• Findings are explained during or shortly after the scan

Important:
Abdominal & urinary tract ultrasound scans are performed in clinic only. Home visits are not available. Services are available across the UK.

Your Abdominal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Results Explained

Results are interpreted based on organ size, structure and appearance, not numerical values.

Normal Results

What this means:

• Normal abdominal organ appearance
• Normal kidney size and structure
• Normal bladder filling and emptying

What it suggests:
Symptoms may be functional or unrelated to structural disease.

Mild to Moderate Abnormal Findings

What this may show:

• Fatty liver changes
• Small gallstones or kidney stones
• Mild kidney swelling
• Incomplete bladder emptying

What it suggests:
Often managed with lifestyle advice, medication or monitoring.

Significant or Severe Abnormal Findings

What this may show:

• Large stones or obstruction
• Significant organ enlargement
• Marked kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)
• Significant urinary retention or masses

What it suggests:
May require urgent referral, further imaging or specialist treatment.