Kidney Scan Services in Lagos

What a kidney ultrasound can show

A kidney (renal) ultrasound uses sound waves to look at both kidneys and, usually, the bladder. It shows the size, shape and position of each kidney and can pick up:

• Kidney stones, and whether a stone is blocking the flow of urine.
• Swelling from a blockage (hydronephrosis), for example from a stone or an enlarged prostate.
• Cysts: most simple cysts are harmless, but the scan shows which ones need follow-up.
• Scarring or shrinking of the kidneys from long-standing infection, high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Lumps or growths that need further tests.

When a doctor may ask for one

• Pain in the side or back (loin pain), especially pain that comes in waves.
• Blood in the urine, or repeated urinary tract infections.
• Abnormal kidney function results (creatinine, eGFR) or protein in the urine.
• Long-standing high blood pressure or diabetes, to check the kidneys over time.
• Difficulty passing urine in men, alongside a prostate scan.

How to prepare

You will usually be asked to drink water before the scan and to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, so the bladder can be checked at the same time. Wear loose clothing. Follow any instructions we give you when you book, see our guide to preparing for an abdominal or pelvic scan.

What happens during the scan

You lie on a couch while the sonographer moves a probe with gel over your back and sides. It is painless, uses no radiation and is safe in pregnancy. Most kidney scans take 15–30 minutes, and you leave with your report.

Kidney blood tests often go hand in hand with the scan: see our kidney function test and kidney health assessment.