Bladder Scan

What is a Bladder Scan?

A bladder scan is a simple, non-invasive ultrasound examination that measures the amount of urine in your bladder. This painless procedure creates an image of your bladder using sound waves, so healthcare professionals can assess bladder function, diagnose urinary retention, and monitor various urological conditions without the need for catheterisation.

At LivingCare, we perform bladder scans at both our Leeds and Sheffield clinics using the latest portable ultrasound technology. Our experienced team provides immediate results and expert guidance, helping you understand your bladder health and determine the best course of action for any concerns you may have.

How a Bladder Scan Works

A bladder scan uses the same technology as other ultrasound examinations – high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal structures to create detailed images. A handheld device, called a transducer, is placed gently on your lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone.

The sound waves travel through your skin and abdominal wall to your bladder, where they reflect back to create a three-dimensional image.

This technology allows our specialists to:

• Accurately measure bladder volume in seconds
• Assess how well your bladder empties
• Monitor bladder function over time
• Guide treatment decisions without invasive procedures
• Eliminate the need for catheterisation in many cases

The entire process is external, requiring no instrument insertion, making it comfortable and suitable for patients of all ages.

What Can a Bladder Scan Be Used For?

At LivingCare, we use quick, non-invasive bladder scans to check how well your bladder is working. This helps us:

• See if your bladder is emptying fully
• Measure leftover urine after peeing (called post-void residual)
• Investigate prostate-related issues in men
• Look into causes of repeated urine infections
• Check if medications for bladder problems are working
• Monitor bladder function before or after surgery
• Assess bladder control in people with nerve or brain conditions (like MS or stroke)
• Decide if or when a catheter is needed

What to Expect When Receiving a Bladder Scan

Before Your Appointment
‍Preparation for a bladder scan is straightforward and depends on what your clinician needs to assess. For a standard bladder volume measurement, you may be asked to attend with a comfortably full bladder – not overly full, but enough that you feel the urge to urinate. This helps ensure accurate volume measurement.

For a post-void residual test, you'll be asked to empty your bladder normally just before the scan, so we can measure the amount of urine remaining. Our team provides instructions when you book your appointment.

On the day:
‍Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes for easy access to your lower abdomen

Avoid applying lotions or creams to your lower abdomen on the morning of your scan

Bring a list of any medications you're taking

Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork

During Your Appointment
‍You'll lie on an examination table, typically on your back. You may need to lower your clothing slightly to expose your lower abdomen, while our specialist applies gel to your skin just above the pubic bone.

The scanner is placed gently on your abdomen and moved slightly to obtain the best image from multiple angles, in a process that takes just a few minutes. Results appear immediately on the scanner's screen.

The procedure is entirely painless – you'll feel only gentle pressure from the scanner. Many patients find it more comfortable than they expected, particularly compared to catheterisation.

If you're having a post-void residual test, you'll be scanned twice: once before emptying your bladder, and once immediately after using the toilet.

After Your Appointment
‍Following your bladder scan, you can return to all normal activities immediately. There's no recovery time needed, no after-effects, and no restrictions on driving, working, or exercising.

The water-based gel wipes off easily, though you may want to use the toilet after your scan if you attended with a full bladder. Our team will provide tissues and time for you to clean up comfortably.

Your results are available immediately, and our specialist will discuss the findings with you before you leave. If further tests or treatments are recommended, we'll explain your options clearly and help arrange any necessary follow-up appointments.

For routine monitoring, your results will be recorded in your medical notes to track changes over time. Any urgent findings will be communicated promptly to your referring doctor or consultant.

How to Recover Following a Bladder Scan

One of the advantages of bladder scanning is that no recovery period is required. After your examination, you can resume all normal activities immediately.

References

• British Association of Urological Surgeons – Patient Information
• Bladder & Bowel Community – Understanding Bladder Problems