Kidney, Ureter & Bladder Imaging

KUB Ultrasound

A focused ultrasound assessment of your urinary system – detecting kidney stones, hydronephrosis, bladder pathology, and other renal conditions.

Overview

A clear view of your urinary system.

KUB ultrasound (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder) is a focused imaging examination that evaluates the urinary system. It is one of the most commonly requested ultrasound examinations, particularly for patients with flank pain, urinary symptoms, or suspected kidney stones. It provides detailed information about the kidneys (size, structure, and stones), the ureters (indirectly, through signs of obstruction), and the bladder (wall, stones, and residual volume).

This examination is non‑invasive, radiation‑free, and provides real‑time images that help diagnose conditions such as renal stones (nephrolithiasis), hydronephrosis (kidney swelling), urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and masses. It is often the first-line imaging test for patients with suspected urinary tract pathology.

At Amytri, our KUB ultrasounds are performed by experienced consultant radiologists using state‑of‑the‑art equipment. We follow a systematic protocol to ensure a thorough evaluation of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, and we provide a detailed, actionable report. Our goal is to give you and your doctor the information needed for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

What KUB ultrasound covers

  • Kidneys – size, echogenicity, cortical thickness, and presence of stones or cysts
  • Hydronephrosis – assessment of kidney swelling due to obstruction
  • Ureters – indirect assessment through hydronephrosis or visualization of stones
  • Urinary bladder – wall thickness, stones, diverticula, and masses
  • Residual urine volume – measurement after voiding (if indicated)
  • Renal Doppler – assessment of renal vascularity (if indicated)
  • Assessment of the adrenal glands (if visible)
Why it matters

Essential imaging for urinary system health.

Kidney stones and urinary tract conditions are common – and often painful. KUB ultrasound provides a rapid, accurate, and radiation‑free assessment to identify the cause.

Detection

Detect kidney and bladder stones

Ultrasound can identify stones in the kidneys, ureters (indirectly), and bladder – often the cause of flank pain and urinary symptoms.

Assessment

Evaluate kidney health

Ultrasound assesses kidney size, cortical thickness, and the presence of cysts or masses – essential for evaluating renal function and disease.

Diagnosis

Identify hydronephrosis and obstruction

Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling) is a key sign of urinary tract obstruction – ultrasound can detect it early, guiding timely intervention.

What we assess

Comprehensive evaluation of your urinary system.

We examine each component of the urinary system systematically, using a standardised protocol.

Kidneys

We assess kidney size, echogenicity, and cortical thickness. We detect stones (nephrolithiasis), cysts, masses, and hydronephrosis (dilatation of the collecting system).

Hydronephrosis Grading

If hydronephrosis is present, we grade its severity (mild, moderate, or severe) – helping determine the urgency of further evaluation and intervention.

Ureters

While ureters are not directly visible in healthy individuals, we assess for signs of obstruction – such as hydronephrosis or the presence of a stone at the ureterovesical junction.

Urinary Bladder

We assess bladder wall thickness, the presence of stones, diverticula, or masses. We also measure residual urine volume if clinically indicated.

Renal Doppler

If indicated, we perform Doppler assessment of renal vessels to evaluate renal blood flow and identify renal artery stenosis.

Adrenal Glands

We assess the adrenal glands (if visible) for any masses or enlargement.

How it works

Your KUB ultrasound journey, step by step.

01
Prepare

Preparation

We ask you to drink water and have a comfortably full bladder before the scan – this distends the bladder and provides a clear window for imaging. Fasting is not required.

02
Scan

Ultrasound examination

You lie on your back (and sometimes on your side) on the examination table. The radiologist applies gel to your abdomen and scans the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. You may be asked to hold your breath or turn to your side.

03
Interpret

Interpretation and reporting

The radiologist reviews the images and provides a comprehensive report, noting any abnormalities, measurements, and conclusions. The report is shared with your referring doctor.

04
Plan

Guidance and follow‑up

We discuss the findings with you (where appropriate) and recommend further steps – which may include additional imaging, laboratory tests (urinalysis, renal function), or specialist referral (urology).

Is it for you?

KUB ultrasound is recommended if any of these apply.

It is a key investigation for a wide range of urinary tract symptoms and conditions.

Flank pain or renal colic

Severe, sharp pain in the side or back – often indicative of kidney stones – requires urgent ultrasound evaluation.

Urinary symptoms – frequency, urgency, or hematuria

Blood in urine, painful urination, or frequent urination may indicate stones, infection, or bladder pathology.

History of kidney stones

Patients with a history of stones benefit from regular ultrasound surveillance to monitor for recurrence.

Abnormal renal function tests

Elevated creatinine or urea may indicate kidney disease – ultrasound assesses kidney size, structure, and hydronephrosis.

Suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) – recurrent

Recurrent UTIs may be associated with stones, anatomical abnormalities, or incomplete bladder emptying – ultrasound can identify these.

Routine health check‑up

KUB ultrasound is often included in full body health check‑ups to screen for silent kidney conditions.

Dr. Abhishek at Amytri Diagnostics & Healthcare
Dr. Abhishek Consultant Radiologist & Fetal Medicine
Meet your specialist

Expert in renal and urinary imaging with precision.

Dr. Abhishek has extensive experience in renal and urinary tract ultrasound, with a special focus on detecting stones, hydronephrosis, and bladder pathology. He is skilled in performing comprehensive KUB examinations and interpreting subtle findings that guide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Qualified consultantMBBS · DMRD · DNB (Radiodiagnosis)
Renal imaging expertiseKUB ultrasound, kidney stones, and hydronephrosis
Advanced technologyHigh‑resolution abdominal ultrasound with Doppler
Patient‑centred careClear explanations and compassionate support
Share the journey

Your partner is welcome to join.

If you are coming for a health check‑up or feel anxious about the results, having your partner with you can provide reassurance.

We welcome partners to attend the ultrasound. We explain what we are seeing, show you the images on screen, and discuss the findings. Your partner's presence can be helpful for understanding the results and planning next steps together.

Be present togetherShare the experience
Ask questions togetherGet clarity as a couple
See the imagesView your kidneys and bladder on screen
Emotional supportNavigate the journey together
Gentle answers

Questions about KUB ultrasound.

Book with confidence

Take charge of your urinary health – book your KUB ultrasound today.

From your baby's very first heartbeat to your family's lifelong health — we're here with precision, expertise and care. Reserve your appointment in under a minute.

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