An ultrasound scan is a painless test that provides images of the inside of the body by using high frequency sound waves.
Ultrasound does not involve radiation (unlike X-ray, MRI or CT scans). It is live imaging, not still pictures. This live information on the screen is interpreted and is used for diagnostic purposes.
There are many kinds of ultrasound scans:
- Abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, aorta, pancreas, and blood vessels of the abdomen. In addition, this ultrasound helps to detect stones in the kidneys and gallbladder, various cysts, and some tumors.
- Urinary tract ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to visualise the organs within the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and prostate (for men). This type of ultrasound is commonly used to assess various conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder issues, kidney diseases, obstruction, and prostate issues (for men).
- Pregnancy ultrasound is used to examine and visualise a baby (embryo or fetus) within a pregnant woman, as well as the women’s ovaries and uterus.
- Vascular ultrasound is used to examine arteries or veins in the neck, arms, legs or head.
- One organ ultrasound aimed to assess a particular organ or body part: thyroid, scrotum, breast, testicles, soft tissue lumps and bumps and many more structures.
- Echocardiogram is used to examine the heart and peripheral vascular structures.
- A full list of ultrasound scans can be found below.
How to prepare for an ultrasound test
Abdominal ultrasound
Recommended not to eat and drink 4-6 hours before the scan.
Kidney and bladder ultrasound
Recommended to drink liquids to fill the bladder before the scan.
Prostate ultrasound
Recommended to drink liquids to fill the bladder before the scan.
Prices
Ultrasound Scans
| Scan name | Price |
|---|---|
| Abdominal Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Pelvic Ultrasound Scan | £210 |
| Cardiac Ultrasound ScanRequires Cardiologist Consultation | £200 |
| Thyroid Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Urinary Tract (kidney, prostate) Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Transrectal Prostate Ultrasound | £210 |
| Breast Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Follicle Tracking (fertility) Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan (2D) | £210 |
| Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan (3D/4D) | £310 |
| Testicular (Scrotal) Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Neck, Arm or Leg Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Carotid Ultrasound Scan | £210 |
| Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Screening | £210 |
| Soft Tissue (lumps, bumps) Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| One Organ Ultrasound Scan | £160 |
| Venous Duplex Scan (one leg) | £160 |
| Venous Duplex Scan (both legs) | £210 |
| Ultrasound Scan (One Area) Provided at Central London Partner Clinic | £330 |
| Ultrasound Scan (Two Areas)Provided at Central London Partner Clinic | £475 |
| Ultrasound Guided InjectionsProvided at Central London Partner Clinic | £500 |
