The bladder scan enables assessment of bladder volumes and abnormalities of bladder emptying. Using a bladder scan as a diagnostic tool requires correct technique as well as guidelines to inform clinical practice. These suggest when to perform a scan, assisting with interpretation of the results and clinical decision-making, choosing nursing actions and preventing adverse patient outcomes. This clinical commentary provides information relevant to clinicians in the rehabilitation setting and suggests some key practice points and parameters for determining a bladder scan protocol.