Do I need a full bladder for the scan?

Yes. A full bladder is essential for the first part of the scan. Please drink 2–3 glasses of water approximately one hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder beforehand.

No. Bladder ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive procedure performed over the lower abdomen. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, but it should not be painful.

Can ultrasound detect bladder cancer?

Ultrasound can identify bladder masses and polyps that require further investigation, but it cannot definitively diagnose cancer. Any suspicious finding will be reported with a recommendation for cystoscopy.

Can I combine this with a prostate scan?

Yes. A combined prostate and bladder scan is available and recommended for men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Please mention this when booking.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone.

What is a normal post-void residual volume?

A post-void residual volume below 50ml is generally considered normal. Volumes above 100ml are clinically significant and may require further investigation or treatment.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Men's Health

Bladder Ultrasound Scan

A non-invasive assessment of the bladder wall, capacity, and post-void residual volume to investigate urinary symptoms and bladder conditions.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedMen's Health Specialist

£235

Book Your Scan Call Us

4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Understanding Your Urinary Symptoms

Urinary symptoms — frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, or recurrent infections — can significantly affect quality of life. A bladder ultrasound provides a clear, non-invasive assessment of bladder capacity, wall thickness, and post-void residual volume, helping to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms quickly and without discomfort. Our specialist sonographers examine the bladder both before and after voiding to provide a comprehensive picture. At our Marylebone clinic on Weymouth Street, same-day appointments are available and no GP referral is needed.

Clinical Overview

What is a Bladder Ultrasound Scan?

A bladder ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the bladder. It assesses bladder wall thickness (which can indicate chronic obstruction or overactive bladder), bladder capacity, post-void residual volume (the amount of urine remaining after voiding), and the presence of bladder stones, polyps, or masses. NICE guidelines recommend bladder ultrasound as a first-line investigation for lower urinary tract symptoms in both men and women.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Those experiencing urinary frequency, urgency, or incomplete emptying

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections

Men with lower urinary tract symptoms related to prostate enlargement

Those with suspected bladder stones or polyps

Patients with a history of bladder cancer requiring surveillance

Anyone with haematuria (blood in the urine) requiring investigation

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Post-Void Residual Volume

The amount of urine remaining in the bladder after voiding is measured. A residual volume above 100ml is clinically significant and may indicate bladder outlet obstruction or detrusor underactivity.

Bladder Wall Thickening

Increased bladder wall thickness (above 5mm when full) can indicate chronic obstruction, overactive bladder, or inflammatory conditions.

Bladder Stones

Bladder calculi appear as echogenic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing and are clearly identified on ultrasound.

Bladder Masses

Polyps, papillomas, and bladder tumours are identified as focal projections from the bladder wall and require further investigation.

Bladder Capacity

Maximum bladder capacity is estimated from three-dimensional measurements, providing information about bladder function and compliance.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Full bladder scan

Arrive with a comfortably full bladder. The sonographer examines the bladder in its distended state, measuring capacity and wall thickness.

Systematic examination

The bladder is examined from multiple angles to assess all walls and identify any focal lesions.

Voiding

You will be asked to empty your bladder completely.

Post-void residual scan

The bladder is immediately re-scanned to measure the post-void residual volume.

Report and images

A written report with representative images and measurements is provided before you leave.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder — drink 2–3 glasses of water one hour before
2
Do not empty your bladder before the scan
3
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdomen
4
Bring any previous scan reports or urine test results if you have them
5
Allow 30–45 minutes for your appointment

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Bladder Ultrasound Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during the scan and provide a written report before you leave. The report includes bladder capacity measurements, post-void residual volume, and a description of any abnormalities identified. Normal findings provide significant reassurance. Any abnormalities will be clearly described with recommended next steps.

Why Private?