Concierge uroradiology · London
CT urogram, the modern haematuria pathway — imaging the kidneys, ureters and bladder in one scan.
CT urogram (CT IVU) uses IV contrast and delayed excretory imaging to visualise the kidneys, ureters and bladder in a single scan. The first-line imaging test for visible (macroscopic) haematuria and the modern replacement for the intravenous urogram (IVU).
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant uroradiologist — a subspecialist who reads CT urograms every week decides the answer.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Findings can frequently be discussed immediately, with the written report to follow.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Key facts
The six facts that matter.
A quick clinical snapshot before we go into the detail.
-
Definition
Multiphase CT with IV contrast to image the entire urinary tract.
-
First-line for visible haematuria
The recommended first imaging test for macroscopic (visible) blood in the urine.
-
Replaces the IVU
The modern replacement for the intravenous urogram (IVU).
-
What it detects
Renal, ureteric and bladder tumours, stones and hydronephrosis in one study.
-
Radiation
Approximately 10 mSv — comparable to about three years of background radiation.
-
Complementary to cystoscopy
CT urogram images the upper tract; flexible cystoscopy inspects the bladder.
Indicative pricing
What a private CT urogram costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard CT urogram in our network: £550–£900, with findings often the same day.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard CT urogram (four-phase) | £550–£900 | 30 min | Same-day |
| CT urogram + consultant urology consultation | £850–£1,400 | 60 min | Same visit |
| CT urogram + flexible cystoscopy (haematuria work-up) | £1,400–£2,200 | Half-day | Same-week |
| Low-dose split-bolus CT urogram | £600–£950 | 30 min | Same-day |
| CT KUB (stones only, non-contrast) | £350–£600 | 15 min | Same-day |
| Urgent same-week CT urogram | £700–£1,100 | 30 min | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, whether a low-dose split-bolus protocol is used, and whether a same-visit consultant urology opinion or flexible cystoscopy is bundled in. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A CT urogram is only as good as who reports it.
Small urothelial tumours are easy to miss on a generalist read. We route you to a consultant uroradiologist — a subspecialist who lives in the renal tract.
-
Visible blood in the urine?
The most important red flag for urothelial cancer. We arrange an urgent CT urogram and cystoscopy pathway.
-
Suspected kidney stones?
A low-dose CT KUB is usually the right first test — cheaper, faster, and contrast-free.
-
Renal mass on ultrasound?
CT urogram characterises the lesion, plans surgery and screens for spread — the standard next step.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
Urology consultation
A urology or GP consultation to confirm CT urogram is the right first test and to check contrast safety (kidney function, allergies).
- 02
Before
Fast four hours before the scan
No food for four hours before your appointment. Small sips of water are fine.
- 03
Before
IV cannula for contrast
A small cannula is placed in a vein — usually the back of the hand or the crook of the elbow — for iodinated contrast.
- 04
On the day
Four-phase scan
Non-contrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory (delayed) phases capture the renal tract as contrast passes through.
- 05
On the day
Seconds per phase
Each acquisition takes seconds on a modern multi-detector CT. You lie still and breath-hold on cue.
- 06
After
Multiplanar reconstruction
Post-processing reformats the images in coronal, sagittal and curved-planar views along the ureters.
- 07
After
Consultant radiologist report
A written report from a consultant uroradiologist, with onward urology pathway if anything needs acting on.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
What a CT urogram is designed to find.
CT urogram answers a specific question — is there anything in the kidneys, ureters or bladder that explains the haematuria or symptom. These are the findings we look for.
-
Renal mass
Solid renal lesions — the primary imaging finding of renal cell carcinoma.
-
Urothelial carcinoma of the upper tract
Filling defects or wall thickening in the collecting system, ureter or renal pelvis.
-
Bladder tumour
Bladder wall thickening or intraluminal mass — always paired with flexible cystoscopy.
-
Ureteric or renal stones
Calculi anywhere from the calyces to the vesicoureteric junction, with size and location.
-
Hydronephrosis
Obstructive dilatation of the collecting system, with the level and cause of obstruction.
-
Renal cysts (Bosniak classification)
Cystic renal lesions graded I–IV for malignant potential and surveillance planning.
-
Vascular anomalies (retrocaval ureter)
Anatomical variants such as retrocaval ureter, crossing vessels and duplex systems.
-
Red flag: mass with suspected metastasis — urgent MDT and staging pathway
A renal or urothelial mass with suspicious nodes or distant deposits triggers an urgent multi-disciplinary staging pathway.
Scan types
Not all renal-tract CT scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
-
Standard CT urogram
Four-phase multiphasic CT — non-contrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phases.
-
CT urogram + urology consult
Scan plus a same-visit consultant urology opinion, with a plan you can act on.
-
CT urogram + flexible cystoscopy
The full modern haematuria work-up — upper tract on CT, bladder inspected under direct vision.
-
Low-dose split-bolus CT urogram
Reduced-dose protocol combining phases to lower total radiation for younger patients.
-
CT KUB (non-contrast)
A rapid, low-dose, contrast-free CT — the test of choice for suspected renal colic and stones.
-
Pre-op renal-tract CT
Focused CT anatomy before nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy or ureteric surgery.
-
CT urogram surveillance
Interval CT urogram in patients on urothelial-cancer follow-up.
-
Urgent same-week CT urogram
Expedited slot when visible haematuria or a two-week-wait referral demands a rapid answer.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
-
Consultant uroradiologists reporting on modern multi-detector CT
-
Weight-based iodinated contrast protocols with pre-scan renal function and allergy screening
-
Same-day report, with images available for onward review
-
Onward urology pathway (flexible cystoscopy, MDT) if significant disease is found
Safety and eligibility
A safe test — with a few important checks.
CT urogram is well tolerated. The practical points are contrast safety, radiation dose, and knowing when a lower-dose or contrast-free alternative fits better.
-
IV contrast — kidney function check
Recent eGFR and allergy history are checked before booking. Contrast is avoided or modified in significant renal impairment.
-
Contrast reaction risk is low
Modern non-ionic contrast has a very low reaction rate; anaphylaxis is rare and clinics are equipped to treat it.
-
Radiation dose ~10 mSv
A four-phase CT urogram delivers roughly 10 mSv — about three years of background radiation. Low-dose split-bolus protocols reduce this.
-
Fast four hours
No food for four hours before the scan. Take usual medication with small sips of water unless told otherwise.
-
Metformin and contrast
Diabetic patients on metformin follow local protocols — usually safe if renal function is normal.
-
Pregnancy
CT urogram is generally avoided in pregnancy — ultrasound and MRI urography are the preferred alternatives.
-
Warm flush is normal
A brief whole-body warm flush and metallic taste when contrast is injected is expected and settles in seconds.
-
Cystoscopy is still needed
A normal CT urogram does not exclude a small bladder tumour — flexible cystoscopy remains part of the haematuria work-up.
-
Bring prior imaging and eGFR
Comparison against previous scans and a current eGFR materially sharpens the report and keeps the study safe.
Red flags
When a CT urogram — or an urgent alternative — is the right call.
The findings and clinical scenarios that shorten timelines and change management.
-
Visible (macroscopic) haematuria with a renal or bladder mass
-
Non-visible (microscopic) haematuria with risk factors — age > 60, smoking, occupational exposure
-
Post-menopausal haematuria
-
Ureteric obstruction with sepsis (obstructed infected system — surgical emergency)
-
Bosniak IV renal cyst (malignant until proven otherwise)
-
Bilateral renal masses — consider Von Hippel–Lindau and hereditary syndromes
-
Retroperitoneal fibrosis causing ureteric obstruction
-
Urothelial cancer with hydronephrosis (locally advanced disease)
-
Contrast anaphylaxis — rare but a medical emergency
Reading your report
A CT urogram report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and renal function
Your details, the reason for the scan, and the baseline renal function and allergy status that shaped the protocol.
- 02 Technique
Phases and contrast dose
Which phases were acquired, the contrast agent and volume used, and the radiation dose (DLP).
- 03 Findings
Kidneys, ureters, bladder and beyond
Organ-by-organ description of the kidneys, collecting systems, ureters, bladder, adrenals and incidental abdominal findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal or specific abnormality, Bosniak grade if relevant, and the concrete next step — read this first.
Next steps
What happens after the report.
Every possible finding maps to a concrete next step — with the right consultant lined up.
-
Reassurance if normal
A normal CT urogram plus a normal flexible cystoscopy closes most haematuria pathways.
-
Flexible cystoscopy
Direct inspection of the bladder to complete the haematuria work-up.
-
Urology follow-up for renal mass
Consultant urology review with a plan for surveillance or intervention.
-
Nephrectomy for confirmed cancer
Partial or radical nephrectomy — laparoscopic, robotic or open depending on the lesion.
-
Ureteroscopy and stone treatment
Endoscopic laser stone treatment or shockwave lithotripsy for obstructing calculi.
-
Bosniak surveillance for cysts
Interval imaging to monitor Bosniak II–III renal cysts and detect any change.
-
Multi-disciplinary team review
Complex or malignant cases are discussed at a urology MDT before treatment is confirmed.
-
Structured urology follow-up
Scheduled follow-up appointments and repeat imaging as clinically indicated.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CT urogram.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, radiation, why the IVU has been replaced, and when cystoscopy is still needed.
-
What is a CT urogram and what does it show?
A CT urogram (sometimes called a CT IVU) is a multiphase CT scan of the urinary tract performed with intravenous contrast. It images the kidneys, ureters and bladder in a single study and is the first-line test for visible haematuria — it detects renal and urothelial cancers, stones, hydronephrosis and cystic renal lesions.
-
Why has CT urogram replaced the intravenous urogram (IVU)?
CT urogram gives cross-sectional anatomy of the kidneys, adrenals and surrounding structures — not just the collecting system — and detects small urothelial and renal tumours the IVU can miss. It is now the recommended first-line imaging test for visible haematuria in UK and European guidelines.
-
How much does a private CT urogram cost in London?
A standard four-phase CT urogram is typically £550–£900 in our network; adding a consultant urology consultation or flexible cystoscopy raises the price. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
-
Do I need a referral?
CT urogram uses iodinated contrast and is a specialist study, so a urology or GP referral is usually required. We can arrange a fast-track private consultation if you don’t already have one.
-
How much radiation does a CT urogram involve?
A standard four-phase CT urogram delivers roughly 10 mSv — about three years of background radiation. Low-dose split-bolus protocols can bring this down significantly and are preferred for younger patients.
-
Do I still need a cystoscopy if the CT urogram is normal?
Yes. A normal CT urogram does not fully exclude a small bladder tumour, so flexible cystoscopy remains part of the standard haematuria work-up. The two tests are complementary — CT for the upper tract, cystoscopy for the bladder.
Sources
Guidelines this page draws on.
Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, . Next review: 2027-07-30. Reading time: 6 minutes.
- NICE. Bladder cancer: diagnosis and management (NG2).
- European Association of Urology. Guidelines on upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma.
- British Association of Urological Surgeons. Haematuria pathway guidance.
- Royal College of Radiologists. iRefer imaging referral guidelines.
Related tests
Looking for a different test?
-
Bladder biopsy
Cystoscopic biopsy for suspicious bladder lesions.
Learn more -
Cystoscopy
Flexible endoscopic inspection of the bladder — the other half of the haematuria pathway.
Learn more -
Ultrasound
General diagnostic ultrasound across abdomen, pelvis and soft tissue.
Learn more -
All tests
Browse every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more -
Prostate Enlargement BPH
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Kidney Disease CKD
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Cystectomy
Related treatment option.
Learn more -
Cystoplasty
Related treatment option.
Learn more
In practice, in London
The honest picture around CT urogram in London
With CT urogram, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. On the NHS, CT urogram typically sits behind a triage step and a wait that can stretch from a few weeks into months. In London’s private sector, the same appointment often lands within days. That speed matters when symptoms are disrupting work, sleep, or a plan you’d already committed to — and it’s the single most common reason people call us in the first place.
A typical private booking for CT urogram in London starts with a consultant conversation — sometimes in person on Harley Street or Marylebone, sometimes on video if that suits better. Any imaging or diagnostics happen at a nearby CQC-registered facility, and reports usually land within 24 to 72 hours. The whole loop, from first call to written report, is often done inside a fortnight. For CT urogram specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
There are a lot of consultants in London who can technically handle CT urogram. Fewer who do it week in, week out for the exact question you’re bringing. We spend most of our time working out which is which — and being straight when a different test or a different specialist would serve you better. Everything runs to CQC, GMC and Royal College standards; the choice is about fit, not floor.