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A kidney (renal) ultrasound checks the size and shape of your kidneys and bladder, and looks for blockages, cysts or stones.
Also called: Renal ultrasound, Renal tract ultrasound, Urinary tract ultrasound, Bladder ultrasound, Kidney scan
Find a clinic for your kidney ultrasound
102 clinics offer bulk billing for ultrasound — eligibility varies
Where to get a kidney ultrasound
104 clinics across Australia on Radly offer ultrasound.
Clinics for a kidney ultrasound on Radly
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What is a kidney ultrasound?
The sonographer scans each kidney from your back and sides, then the bladder through your lower tummy. You may be asked to empty your bladder part way through so the amount left behind can be measured.
Ultrasound can show swelling caused by a blockage (hydronephrosis), cysts, the size of the kidneys and some stones. Small stones can be hard to see, so if stones are the main question your doctor may request a CT KUB instead or as well.
In men, the scan may include a measurement of the prostate size from above the pubic bone.
Why your doctor might request a kidney ultrasound
- Blood in the urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Abnormal kidney function blood tests
- Flank pain or suspected kidney stones
- Trouble emptying the bladder
- Monitoring known kidney cysts
Kidney ultrasound: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your kidney ultrasound
- Drink water beforehand so your bladder is comfortably full.
- Fasting is not usually needed for a kidney-only scan, but follow the clinic's instructions if combined with an abdominal scan.
- Bring previous kidney scan reports and recent blood test results.
How long it takes: About 20–30 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A referral from your GP or specialist is needed for a Medicare rebate. Many clinics bulk bill kidney ultrasound for eligible patients and some charge a gap. The clinic confirms billing when it accepts your booking request.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your kidney ultrasound and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Kidney ultrasound FAQs
Do I need a full bladder for a kidney ultrasound?
Usually yes, so the bladder can be assessed. You may be asked to empty it during the scan to check how well it drains.
Can ultrasound see kidney stones?
It can see many stones and any blockage they cause, but small stones may be missed. A CT KUB is more sensitive for stones.
Is a renal ultrasound the same as a kidney ultrasound?
Yes. Renal simply means relating to the kidneys.
How do I book a kidney ultrasound online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Ultrasound as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a kidney ultrasound?
Appointments for ultrasound are usually 1–3 days, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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