Private Child Kidneys & Urinary Tract Ultrasound

Your child might need a kidney & urinary tract ultrasound for several common reasons. The most frequent are recurrent or unusual urinary tract infections (UTIs), a kidney difference picked up on an antenatal scan before birth, suspected hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney), daytime wetting or bedwetting that isn’t settling, tummy or flank pain, or blood in the urine. It is also used to keep an eye on the kidneys when a child is being followed up for vesicoureteric reflux.

The scan is a gentle, completely safe first step that lets us look at the kidneys, ureters and bladder in detail, without any radiation. Often it provides quick reassurance that everything is normal, and if something is picked up, next steps will be clearly outlined.

A kidney & urinary tract ultrasound looks closely at the whole system that makes and stores urine. In one appointment the sonographer assesses:

• The size and position of both kidneys, and whether they have grown as expected for your child’s age.
• The internal structure of the kidneys and any scarring.
• Signs of hydronephrosis, swelling caused by urine not draining freely.
• Whether the kidneys are an unusual shape, such as a duplex or horseshoe kidney.
• The ureters (the tubes from kidney to bladder) for any widening.
• The bladder wall, how much it holds, and how well it empties.
• Stones or signs of current infection.

Together these checks build a clear picture of how your child’s urinary tract is working.

The scan uses safe, pain-free sound waves, with no radiation, no needles and no injections. Your child lies down while the sonographer applies a little warm gel and moves a smooth, hand-held probe gently over their tummy, side and lower abdomen.

For the kidneys, your child may be asked to lie on their back and turn slightly to each side. For the bladder, the sonographer scans low down on the tummy, first when the bladder is comfortably full, and sometimes again after a trip to the toilet to see how well it empties.

The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and your child can return to normal activities straight away.

The appointment is relaxed and child-friendly. A specialist senior sonographer experienced with children will explain everything in simple terms your child can understand, and you are welcome to stay alongside them throughout.

The visit usually unfolds in two gentle parts:

• Your child lies on the couch and a little warm gel is applied. The sonographer moves the probe over the tummy and sides to look at both kidneys, and scans the lower tummy while the bladder is comfortably full.
• Your child may be asked to pop to the toilet, then have a quick second look at the bladder to see how well it has emptied.

There is nothing sharp, nothing inside the body, and nothing that should hurt. Many children find watching the screen genuinely interesting, and the sonographer will share what they are seeing as they go.

The main thing that helps a kidney & bladder scan go smoothly is a comfortably full bladder, because it shows the bladder and the lower urinary tract much more clearly. Around 30 to 60 minutes before the appointment, encourage your child to drink water or a clear drink and to hold on rather than going to the toilet, if they are old enough to manage that.

How much to drink depends on age, a few small cups for a toddler, and a couple of glasses for an older child. Don’t worry about getting it exact; the sonographer can work with whatever your child manages, and we have a toilet close by.

There is no need to fast, and your child should take any usual medicines as normal. Dressing them in comfortable, loose clothing that’s easy to lift or lower makes the scan quicker and more relaxed. Bringing a favourite toy, book or tablet can help younger children settle.

Absolutely. A parent or carer is welcome to stay throughout the entire child kidney scan, and we encourage it, as a familiar face nearby helps most children relax. You can sit beside the couch, hold your child’s hand, and chat or read to them while the sonographer works.

Our sonographers are used to scanning babies, toddlers and older children, and they will go at your child’s pace, pausing whenever needed. If your little one is feeling unsure, distraction with a toy, song or video usually does the trick.

Please let us know in advance if your child has any additional needs so we can plan the calmest possible visit.

You shouldn’t have to wait for important answers about your baby’s health. That’s why, at the Harley Street Ultrasound Group, we give you same-day results.

Your specialist senior sonographer will talk you through what they can see during the scan itself, so you leave the room with an understanding of your child's findings. Your full medical report with tailored advice and any recommended next steps will be ready the same day, along with high-resolution digital images of the scan.

You can view and share both the report and the images securely from any internet-connected device, including your phone, and forward them directly to your GP, health visitor or a paediatric specialist.

The great majority of children’s scans are completely normal, which is wonderful reassurance. When the scan does pick something up, the most common findings are usually mild and easily explained:

• Hydronephrosis: mild swelling of the kidney because urine isn’t draining quite freely. Many cases are minor and settle on their own as your child grows.
• Duplex kidney: a kidney that has formed with two drainage systems instead of one. It is common and often causes no problems at all.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: the bladder doesn’t fully empty, which can be linked to recurrent UTIs or wetting and often improves with simple measures.

Your sonographer will explain any finding in plain language and set out exactly what, if anything, needs to happen next.

For most children, the ultrasound gives all the answers needed, either clear reassurance or a finding that can be managed simply. Sometimes, though, the scan suggests it would help to look a little further.

If there are signs of significant hydronephrosis, scarring, or a pattern that points to vesicoureteric reflux (urine flowing back up toward the kidneys), your specialist may recommend additional tests such as a DMSA scan to check for kidney scarring, a MAG3 scan to assess drainage, or a micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG). These are arranged through a paediatric kidney service.

If that step is needed, your report explains it clearly and our specialist makes sure you understand why, so you can move forward with confidence.

A Private Child Kidneys & Urinary Tract Ultrasound Ultrasound at the Harley Street Ultrasound Group is £300, all fees inclusive.

What’s included in the price:

• One-to-one appointment with a child-experienced specialist senior sonographer.
• Comprehensive scan of both kidneys, the ureters and the bladder, including bladder emptying.
• Detailed written medical report with tailored advice.
• Same-day high-resolution digital images delivered to your secure portal.
• No referral required and no waiting list, most families are seen within 24 to 48 hours.

We accept self-pay and most major UK private health insurers. If you have insurance, please contact your provider before booking to confirm your policy covers treatment. Our team is happy to provide any clinical or pricing details they need.

Many parents worry that coming to us privately will somehow affect their baby’s NHS care. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get your baby on the right path fast. When you come to us, your child is seen by a qualified specialist who can investigate their symptoms the same day. If your child needs further care, our specialist will write to your NHS GP advising them, and your report and images can be shared securely with any NHS paediatric team.

We don’t want you waiting weeks for answers. Your child’s health and your peace of mind is priceless.