Abdominal ultrasound scan
If you have pain or unexplained symptoms in your abdomen, or are concerned about your liver or kidneys, ultrasound is a quick and safe way to see what is happening.
- Price
- £300Abdomen and pelvis £350 · Abdomen, pelvis and transvaginal £450 · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation
- Preparation
- Fast for 4 to 6 hours; water is fine
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan is for people with abdominal pain or bloating, abnormal blood or urine results, or concerns about a particular organ. Most abdominal pain is mild and settles on its own. Pain in one specific place, or pain that is severe or keeps returning, is worth having checked.
What it shows
What your consultant looks at
- Liver: size, shape and texture, for signs of fatty change, cirrhosis, masses or cysts. Blood flow and the bile ducts are also checked.
- Kidneys: size, structure and symmetry. Stones, cysts, swelling or masses, and any blockage of urine flow.
- Spleen: size and appearance, and any lesions or injury-related changes.
- Pancreas and gallbladder: the pancreas where visible; the gallbladder for stones, wall thickening and inflammation.
- Lumps and hernias: cysts, solid lumps, fluid collections and hernias of the abdominal wall.
- Pelvic organs (abdomen and pelvis scan): the bladder and nearby structures; the uterus and ovaries, or the prostate.
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
Fast for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours and avoid fatty foods on the day. You can drink water. For the abdomen and pelvis scan, also arrive with a full bladder: we recommend drinking 1 litre of water about 1 hour beforehand.
During
You lie on your back. Gel is applied and the probe is moved gently over your abdomen. Most people find it completely comfortable; tell us if any area is sore.
After
We wipe off the gel and give you privacy to dress. Your consultant explains the findings before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
Why might I need an abdominal ultrasound?
Reasons include abdominal or pelvic pain, abnormal blood or urine results, and concerns about the abdominal organs.
Do I need to prepare?
Yes. Fast for 4 to 6 hours and avoid fatty foods on the day. Water is fine.
Is the scan painful?
The scan is usually painless. A full bladder can cause some pressure, but the scan does not take long.
Can I add a blood test?
Yes. It is taken at the same appointment. For the most accurate results, book in the morning and fast for 4 to 6 hours.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.