Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan with PSA Blood Test

This Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan is to look in detail at the size, shape and condition of the:

  • bladder when full and immediately after emptying

  • both kidneys and ureters (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder)

  • prostate gland when visible

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test is to:

  • measure the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate. An unusually high PSA level may suggest a problem with your prostate, such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, a urinary tract infection or prostate cancer

This prostate ultrasound scan and blood test is available to people over 45 years of age whole biological sex (assigned at birth) is male and will take place during a 25-minute appointment.

From (price may vary in London locations):

£175.00RRP

Your Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan with PSA Blood Test

The Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan with PSA Blood Test is available to people over 45 years of age whose biological sex (assigned at birth) is male. The scan is performed by one of our qualified sonographers with diagnostic scanning experience. This scan can help to:

  • evaluate possible effects of urinary tract infections (UTI)

  • look for obstructions due to stones in the kidney or bladder

  • look for potential causes of persistent bladder problems

  • look for prostate enlargement

This blood test can help to:

  • indicate an abnormality with your prostate by measuring the amount of PSA in the blood

Please do not book this scan if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are awaiting treatment relating to the areas being scanned. We are unable to perform the scan if you have a urinary infection or have had a prostate biopsy in the past 6 weeks.

You will receive a clear written report of your scan results, including our recommendation for your next steps. If we recommend a medical follow-up, we can email a copy of your report to your healthcare provider at no extra cost if you provide their contact details.

At your appointment, you will receive physical copies of images and a diagnostic report as part of the scan. Following the appointment, you will receive a link to the Pim platform. Here, you have the option to pay £1.99 to gain access to Pim’s digital library containing your images and reports.

You can expect your blood test results within 3 – 4 working days. Ultrasound Direct will not review or interpret your private blood test results - we recommend you discuss your results with your preferred healthcare provider.

Your blood sample is analysed in the UK by our authorised partners TDL. By booking a private blood test appointment with us you are agreeing to your personal information being shared with TDL solely for the purpose of this test. Your express permission for this will also be asked during your appointment.

What you get with Ultrasound Direct

Fully qualified and regulated healthcare professionals

Same-day access to your images online

A comprehensive report with recommended follow-up

Friendly, supportive and welcoming staff

Preparing for your scan

  • drink 500ml (1 pint) of clear fluid about one hour before your Kidney, Bladder and Prostate Scan

  • do not empty your bladder before your appointment

  • we need to access your abdomen, so please wear an outfit made up of 2 pieces (eg trousers and a top or a skirt and a top)

To prevent an inaccurate reading, please do not:

  • ejaculate for 48 hours before your scan

  • exercise heavily for 48 hours before your scan

  • have anal sex or prostate stimulation for 7 days before your blood test

We cannot scan you for a specific condition if you are already under a care plan and receiving treatment for it. If you are aware of a medical condition and wish to monitor it, and are not receiving treatment, you are welcome to book a scan with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prostate Specific Antigen

PSA is a protein which is in your blood and can be produced by normal and cancerous cells within the prostate. To have a small amount of PSA in your blood is normal and this will raise slightly as you get older as the prostate enlarges. A raised PSA level may indicate that you have a problem with your prostate but this does not always mean that you have prostate cancer.

The PSA blood test measures the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen which is in your blood.

The PSA test can find aggressive prostate cancer which would require treatment. It can also find slower growing cancer which may not result in any symptoms at all but which may be cancer.  A sample of your blood is measured in nanograms (billionth of a gram) per millilitre of blood (ml).

A PSA test can help to identify prostate cancer before you have any symptoms. It can help to identify fast growing cancer within its early stages.  According to Prostate Cancer UK, having this test undertaken regularly could be helpful, particularly if you are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer.

1 in 7 of those with a normal PSI test can still have prostate cancer (false negative result).  These tests can also suggest prostate cancer when none is present which is why we always recommend discussing with your GP and undergoing further testing in the form of an MRI scan or biopsy. A PSA test alone cannot usually tell if you have prostate cancer, however it is the first step to decide if you require further tests.

The Kidneys, Bladder and Prostate Scan with PSA Blood Test is available to people over 45 years of age whose biological sex (assigned at birth) is male.

If you are over 50 years of age, black, or you have a family history of prostate cancer your risk of developing prostate cancer could be increased.  We always recommend discussing any concerns with your GP.

The following conditions can cause elevated PSA levels:

  • enlarged prostate
  • prostatitis
  • prostate cancer
  • urine infection (we recommend waiting 6 weeks after an infection has cleared before having a PSA Blood Test)
  • vigorous exercise (we recommend avoiding this for 48 hours prior to your blood test)
  • ejaculation (we recommend avoiding this for 48 hours prior to your blood test)
  • anal sex and prostate stimulation (we recommend avoiding this for 7 days prior to your blood test)
  • having a prostate biopsy (we recommend waiting 6 weeks after a biopsy before your blood test)
  • some over the counter medicines (we recommend checking with your GP or pharmacist to ensure your medications do not affect this test)
  • urinary catheters
  • other tests or surgery on your bladder or prostate (we recommend waiting a minimum of 6 weeks after other tests or surgeries before having a PSA Blood Test)

 

  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Straining with urinating
  • Taking a long time to urinate
  • A weak flow when urinating
  • Feeling like you are not emptying your bladder fully
  • Sudden urges to urinate
  • Dribbling following urinating
  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain when ejaculating

All of the above can also be caused by other underlying problems and not necessarily a prostate issue. It is always advised to discuss these with your GP in the first instance.

You will receive your blood test results after 2-4 working days.

On rare occasions we are unable to complete the primary purpose of a scan. For pregnancy scans, this may be due to your baby being in a difficult position, or something else such as overlying bowel gas which can obscure the ultrasound image. If this happens, we’ll book you a free of charge rescan so we can try again! The primary purpose is outlined on each scan webpage.

Absolutely! Every scan at Ultrasound Direct is performed by a fully qualified sonographer whose primary interest is your health. All our sonographers are fully trained and appropriately qualified to perform ultrasound scans. Many of our team also work in the NHS locally.

All our sonographers are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and/or the Register of Clinical Technologists and follow the latest safety guidelines.

We are also registered with the Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator, to make sure you always receive the highest possible standards of care. 

All our sonographers who take blood for blood tests are phlebotomy trained.

No, you can book your ultrasound directly without any sort of referral. If you have any concerns about your health, it can be useful to have scan results ready to discuss with your GP to reduce any waiting times. An ultrasound scan appointment with us can typically be booked quickly and allows enough time to ask questions too.

We will give you same day results in a clear written report with supporting images.  Your scan report will advise you if any further steps are necessary. And if we recommend a medical follow-up with your healthcare provider, we can securely email them a copy of your report at no extra cost.

Your GP can refer you to Ultrasound Direct for a scan via our booking system

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of inside of the body. The sound waves reflect off different areas in the body and are converted into a moving picture to show what’s happening in real-time. We can record this as a video clip (available for free with our 4D Bonding and Premium 4D scans) and take still images from it.

An ultrasound scan can be external, which is when a probe is placed on the skin of the body part. Scans can also be internal, when a probe is inserted into the body. Both types of scan produce the same type of image and mini clip.

Visit our FAQs page for any further questions you may have.