Liver and gallbladder ultrasound scans
Ultrasound scans are the first choice for exploring liver and gallbladder health. An ultrasound liver and gallbladder scan can reveal inflammation, gallstones, bile duct issues, or even early signs of liver disease with results and reporting in the same day.
- Price
- £300£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
Ultrasound scans are the first choice for exploring liver and gallbladder health. An ultrasound liver and gallbladder scan can reveal inflammation, gallstones, bile duct issues, or even early signs of liver disease with results and reporting in the same day.
What it shows
Our advanced ultrasound imaging provides a safe, precise way to diagnose a range of conditions including
- Liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis)
- Gallstones
- Signs of infection or inflammation
- Liver or bile duct abnormalities
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
Please fast for 4 to 6 hours; water is fine.
During
Your consultant applies a small amount of gel and moves a handheld probe over the area, explaining what they see as they go.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen 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
What symptoms arise from problems with the liver?
Abdominal pain or fullness
Nausea
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Yellow skin and whites of eyes (Jaundice)
Swelling in the abdomen or legs
Tiredness and weakness
What can cause liver issues?
Liver problems can have many causes, including excess alcohol use, viral infections that cause hepatitis, fatty liver (linked to alcohol, diet and weight), certain medications, and inherited conditions. In some cases liver damage can develop without obvious symptoms, which is why early detection through imaging can be so important.
What kind of issues can a liver ultrasound scan diagnose?
Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver)
A build-up of fat in the liver, often linked to diet, weight, or alcohol, which can lead to inflammation or liver damage over time.
Cirrhosis
Scarring of the liver caused by long-term damage, which can affect how the liver functions.
Hepatomegaly
An enlarged liver, often a sign of underlying conditions such as infection, inflammation, or fatty liver disease.
Liver cysts
Fluid-filled sacs in the liver that are usually harmless but may need monitoring if large or symptomatic.
Abscess
A pocket of infection in the liver that may cause pain, fever, or illness and often requires treatment.
Haemangiomas
Common, benign blood vessel growths in the liver, typically harmless and found incidentally on scans.
What can cause gallbladder issues?
The gallbladder usually doesn’t cause trouble, but certain foods can irritate it or slow down the flow of bile.
What symptoms can arise from gallbladder problems?
If there’s a problem with your gallbladder or bile ducts, you might feel pain in the upper right part of your belly. You could also notice pain that spreads to your back or chest, especially when breathing deeply, a fever, nausea, bloating, itchy skin or feeling unusually tired.
Other signs can include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), losing weight without trying, or changes in the colour of your urine or stools.
When should I see a doctor for liver or gallbladder issues?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any ongoing symptoms mentioned on this page or if something feels wrong and is worrying you.
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.