Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
Private KUB Ultrasound in London for £165, assessing the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder using radiation-free imaging.
Turnaround time
1 day
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Overview of the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
The Kidney, Ureter and Bladder Ultrasound, commonly called a KUB Ultrasound, is a non-invasive scan used to assess the urinary tract.
The examination focuses primarily on the kidneys and bladder and can visualise portions of the ureters where technically possible.
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation.
It can assess kidney size, shape and internal structure and look for features such as cysts, hydronephrosis and selected renal stones.
The bladder can be assessed for wall appearance, internal abnormalities and urine volume.
In some cases, bladder volume can be measured before and after urination to determine whether significant urine remains after voiding.
Although the scan is called a KUB ultrasound, the ureters are not normally visible along their entire length unless they are dilated or another abnormality makes them easier to see.
Ultrasound can identify many urinary-tract abnormalities, but CT can be more sensitive for certain kidney or ureteric stones.
This service is provided as a clinic visit only.
What Does the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound Assess?
Kidney size and shape
Assesses the dimensions and general anatomy of both kidneys.
Kidney structure
Evaluates renal tissue and visible collecting systems.
Renal cysts
Can identify many simple and complex cystic abnormalities.
Hydronephrosis
Assesses for dilation of the kidney collecting system that can occur with urinary obstruction.
Selected kidney stones
Some renal calculi can be detected by ultrasound.
Visible ureteric segments
Dilated or selected portions of the ureters may be visualised where technically possible.
Bladder wall and contents
Evaluates visible bladder structure when adequately filled.
Bladder volume
The amount of urine within the bladder can be estimated.
Post-void residual
Where requested, the bladder can be reassessed after urination to estimate remaining urine.
Who May Benefit From the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound?
People with recurrent urinary symptoms - Structural imaging can complement urine and blood testing.
People with suspected urinary obstruction - Ultrasound can identify hydronephrosis.
People with recurrent kidney stones - The scan can identify selected stones and signs of obstruction.
People with blood in the urine under clinical investigation - KUB imaging can form part of a wider urinary-tract assessment.
People with difficulty emptying the bladder - Post-void residual measurement can assess retained urine.
People with recurrent urinary tract infections - Structural abnormalities may sometimes contribute.
People with known renal cysts - Repeat imaging can monitor size and appearance.
People with an abnormal kidney finding on another test or scan - Dedicated ultrasound can provide further structural information.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
Flank or loin discomfort - Kidney or urinary-tract abnormalities can sometimes cause pain.
Blood in the urine - Haematuria requires appropriate assessment and may involve urinary imaging.
Recurrent urinary tract infections - Structural factors can occasionally contribute.
Difficulty passing urine - Bladder emptying can be assessed where relevant.
A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying - Post-void residual measurement can provide objective information.
Previous kidney stones - Ultrasound can monitor selected renal stone disease.
Abnormal kidney-function results with a structural concern - Imaging can complement blood tests such as Creatinine and eGFR.
Severe flank pain with fever, inability to pass urine, visible blood in the urine or rapidly worsening illness requires prompt medical assessment.
A KUB Ultrasound should not delay urgent investigation of suspected urinary obstruction or infection.
How to Prepare for the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
A sufficiently full bladder improves assessment of the urinary bladder.
If the bladder is not adequately filled, you may need to wait and drink additional water before imaging.
This service is performed in clinic only.
What Happens During the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound?
Is the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound Safe?
KUB ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and does not expose you to ionising radiation.
It is non-invasive and does not normally require injections or contrast.
The scan should not usually be painful, although probe pressure can feel uncomfortable if the bladder is very full or the abdomen is already tender.
How to Book Your Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
Choose the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
Select the private KUB Ultrasound online.
Choose your appointment
Select an available London clinic date and time.
Follow the preparation instructions
Arrive with a full bladder as instructed.
Attend the clinic
A qualified imaging professional performs the urinary-tract ultrasound.
Receive your report
Your images are reviewed and the authorised report is provided securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current turnaround is approximately 1 day after the scan.
The report will describe relevant kidney and bladder findings and any additional visible urinary-tract abnormalities.
Further urology, nephrology or other imaging may be recommended depending on the findings.
Understanding Your Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound Results
A normal report may describe kidneys of expected size and appearance without hydronephrosis or significant visible focal abnormalities.
The bladder may be described as normal in appearance with an appropriate residual volume after urination where this has been measured.
Abnormal findings can include cysts, urinary obstruction, stones, bladder retention or other structural changes.
A finding on ultrasound does not always identify the underlying cause.
CT, MRI, cystoscopy, urine testing or specialist assessment can sometimes be required.
What Can the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound Detect?
Hydronephrosis - Dilation of the kidney collecting system can indicate impaired urine drainage.
Renal cysts - Many kidney cysts are readily visible with ultrasound.
Selected kidney stones - Some stones can be seen, although ultrasound is not the most sensitive test for every stone.
Bladder retention - Residual urine after voiding can be measured.
Bladder structural abnormalities - Wall or internal changes may sometimes be visible.
Kidney size abnormalities - Enlargement, asymmetry or reduced renal size can be documented.
Limitations of the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound
Ureters are not usually visible in full - Only selected segments may be seen.
Small ureteric stones can be missed - CT is generally more sensitive for acute stone assessment.
Bowel gas can limit imaging - Gas can obscure parts of the urinary tract.
A normal scan does not exclude all urinary disease - Infection and microscopic kidney disorders can occur without structural ultrasound abnormalities.
Further tests may be needed - CT, urine tests, blood tests or cystoscopy may be appropriate depending on symptoms.
Why Book the Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound With London Blood Tests?
Private urinary-tract imaging in London - Access a targeted KUB Ultrasound through a clinic appointment.
Assesses both kidneys and bladder - Several urinary structures are examined in one scan.
Radiation-free imaging - Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than X-rays.
Can assess bladder emptying - Post-void residual measurement can be performed where required.
Can complement kidney blood tests - Structural and functional kidney assessment provide different information.
Professional imaging report - Findings are securely documented.
Clinic-based service - Correct bladder preparation and imaging can be managed appropriately.
Clear pricing - The KUB Ultrasound costs £165.
Private Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (KUB) Ultrasound in London
London Blood Tests provides private KUB Ultrasound appointments in London for people requiring assessment of the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder.
The scan costs £165 and is available as a clinic visit only.
A full bladder is usually required.
The authorised imaging report is expected in approximately 1 day.