Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan in London
A focused, painless and radiation-free ultrasound scan of your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta, performed by an experienced sonographer.
Available from £219, with no GP referral required, same-day or next-day appointments where available, immediate verbal feedback and a written report usually within 24 hours.
Quick Answer
An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, painless and radiation-free scan that checks the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta. It can help assess gallstones, fatty liver, kidney stones, cysts, organ enlargement, abdominal aortic aneurysm and signs of inflammation or obstruction.
At London Private Ultrasound, the abdominal ultrasound scan costs £219 and includes your ultrasound, consultation with the sonographer, immediate verbal feedback and a written report usually within 24 hours. For the clearest images, you should usually fast for 4–6 hours before the scan.
What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of the organs in your upper abdomen. It does not use radiation and is non-invasive.
During the scan, a small handheld probe is moved gently over the skin of your abdomen using ultrasound gel. The images allow the sonographer to assess the size, shape and texture of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta.
This scan is commonly used to investigate abdominal pain, bloating, abnormal liver or kidney blood tests, suspected gallstones, jaundice, urinary symptoms, fatty liver, kidney stones or general abdominal health concerns.
What Is Included in the £219 Abdominal Scan?
- Abdominal ultrasound scan
- Assessment of the liver and liver texture
- Assessment of the gallbladder and bile ducts
- Assessment of the visible pancreas
- Assessment of both kidneys
- Assessment of the spleen
- Assessment of the abdominal aorta
- Consultation with your sonographer
- Immediate verbal explanation of findings
- Written report usually within 24 hours
- Guidance on next steps or referral if needed
Private Abdominal Ultrasound
All-inclusive price for the scan, consultation and written report.
Book This ScanWhat Does the Abdominal Ultrasound Scan Examine?
A private abdominal ultrasound gives a detailed assessment of the major upper abdominal organs and helps identify many common structural causes of abdominal symptoms.
Liver
Size, texture, fatty liver change, cysts, lesions and signs of chronic liver disease.
Gallbladder & Bile Ducts
Gallstones, sludge, wall thickening, inflammation and bile duct dilatation.
Pancreas
The visible pancreas is assessed for inflammation, cysts, masses or duct changes where bowel gas allows.
Kidneys
Kidney stones, cysts, swelling caused by obstruction and other visible structural abnormalities.
Spleen
Spleen size, enlargement and visible structural changes.
Abdominal Aorta
Assessment of the visible abdominal aorta for widening or aneurysm.
What an Abdominal Ultrasound Does Not Cover
This scan covers the upper abdomen. Knowing what it does not assess is as useful as knowing what it does, and it helps you book the right scan first time.
The Bowel
Ultrasound is not a reliable way to image the bowel. A persistent change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss needs a different investigation, so please speak to your GP. Where appendicitis is suspected we offer a targeted appendicitis ultrasound scan.
Pelvic Organs
The uterus, ovaries, bladder and prostate sit below the area covered here. See our private pelvic ultrasound scan or our prostate and bladder ultrasound scan. Both can be combined with this scan in one appointment.
The Full Urinary Tract
Both kidneys are included, but the ureters, bladder and post-void residual volume are not. For a complete assessment see our kidney, bladder and urinary tract ultrasound scan.
Adrenal Glands
These are often not fully visible on ultrasound. CT or MRI is the appropriate test where an adrenal abnormality is suspected.
Liver Scarring and Fibrosis
Ultrasound can show features that suggest fatty liver, but it does not measure liver stiffness. For that we offer liver elastography (FibroScan).
Not sure which scan you need? Call 020 7101 3377, or see the comparison table below.
What Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Help Detect?
- Gallstones and gallbladder sludge
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Bile duct dilatation or possible obstruction
- Fatty liver change
- Liver cysts or visible liver lesions
- Spleen enlargement
- Kidney stones
- Kidney cysts or swelling
- Hydronephrosis or urinary obstruction
- Visible pancreatic abnormalities
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Free fluid in the abdomen
When Should You Book an Abdominal Ultrasound?
You may benefit from a private abdominal ultrasound if you have symptoms, abnormal blood tests or a known abdominal finding that needs assessment or monitoring.
- Right upper abdominal pain
- General abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or abdominal fullness
- Nausea or vomiting without a clear cause
- Indigestion-like symptoms after fatty meals
- Yellow eyes or jaundice symptoms
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Abnormal kidney function tests
- Blood in the urine
- Flank pain or suspected kidney stones
- Unexplained weight loss requiring investigation
Which Abdominal Scan Is Right for You?
The most common question at booking is which scan covers which organs. This table shows the options, what each one includes and the current price.
| Scan | What it covers | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominal Ultrasound (this scan) | Liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, abdominal aorta | Upper abdominal pain, abnormal liver tests, suspected gallstones | £219 |
| Liver Ultrasound Scan | Focused assessment of the liver | Abnormal liver function tests, a known liver condition | £219 |
| Kidney, Bladder & Urinary Tract Scan | Kidneys, ureters, bladder and post-void residual | Urinary symptoms, flank pain, suspected kidney stones | £219 |
| Pelvic Ultrasound Scan | Uterus, ovaries and endometrium | Pelvic pain, irregular or heavy bleeding, ovarian concerns | £219 |
| Abdominal Aorta (AAA) Scan | Dedicated aortic aneurysm screening | Known aneurysm being monitored, men over 65 | from £219 |
| Liver Elastography (FibroScan) | Liver stiffness and fat quantification | Fatty liver assessment, suspected fibrosis | £359 |
| Abdominal & Urinary Tract Scan | Full abdominal organ set plus the urinary tract | Upper abdominal and urinary symptoms together | £399 |
| Abdominal & Pelvic Scan | Full abdominal organ set plus the pelvic organs | Upper abdominal and pelvic symptoms together | £399 |
| Abdominal, Pelvic & Urinary Tract Scan | Abdominal organs, pelvic organs and urinary tract | Symptoms spanning more than one area | £499 |
| Full Body Ultrasound Scan | Multi-organ review across the body | General health screening rather than one symptom | from £600 |
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377 and our team will confirm which scan matches your symptoms, or see the full price list.
How the Appointment Works
- Before your appointment: Fast for 4–6 hours unless told otherwise. Small sips of water and essential medication are usually fine.
- Arrival and check-in: Our team confirms your details and makes you comfortable.
- Clinical history: Your sonographer asks about symptoms, previous scans, blood tests and any relevant abdominal history.
- Positioning: You lie comfortably on your back with your abdomen exposed.
- The ultrasound scan: Gel is applied and the probe is moved gently over your abdomen. You may be asked to hold your breath or turn slightly.
- Immediate explanation: Your sonographer explains the main findings after the scan.
- Written report: A detailed report with key images is usually sent within 24 hours.
How to Prepare for Your Abdominal Ultrasound
- Fast for 4–6 hours before the scan
- Avoid food, tea and coffee during the fasting period
- Small sips of water are usually fine
- Avoid fatty food and fatty drinks during the fasting period. Fat causes the gallbladder to empty, which can make smaller gallstones harder to see
- Avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum on the day of your scan. Both increase swallowed air and gas in the bowel, which can obscure the pancreas and deeper organs
- Take essential medication unless advised otherwise
- Wear loose clothing with easy abdominal access
- Bring previous scan reports or blood test results if available
If you have diabetes, please tell us when you book so we can schedule your appointment earlier in the day, and bring something to eat straight after the scan. If you are pregnant, have a medical reason why fasting is difficult, or are unsure whether you should fast, please contact the clinic before your appointment.
Private vs NHS Abdominal Ultrasound
NHS abdominal ultrasound is available through referral pathways and provides excellent care. Private ultrasound is useful when you want faster access, a direct appointment, weekend availability or a quick report.
| Feature | Private at London Private Ultrasound | NHS |
|---|---|---|
| Referral | No GP referral required | Usually requires GP or specialist referral |
| Appointment speed | Same-day or next-day availability where possible | Depends on local waiting times |
| Report | Usually within 24 hours | Varies by service |
| Cost | £219 | Free at point of use |
Add-On Packages and Blood Tests
These can be arranged alongside your abdominal ultrasound where clinically appropriate. For alternative scans, see the comparison table above.
- Private Blood Tests — liver, kidney, pancreatic and general health panels
- Liver Health Package — ultrasound, bloods and clinical review combined
- Kidney Health Package — ultrasound, bloods and clinical review combined
- Health Check Packages — broader screening tiers
Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan Near Me
We offer private abdominal ultrasound scans at two clinics, both open seven days a week, with same-day and next-day appointments often available.
London W1G 8EN
Harley Street Medical District
020 7101 3377
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an abdominal ultrasound cost?
The scan costs £219. This includes the ultrasound scan, consultation with your sonographer, written report within 24 hours and guidance on next steps.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly. GP referrals are welcome but not required.
What organs are checked during an abdominal ultrasound?
The scan usually assesses the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, visible pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta.
Is an abdominal ultrasound the same as a stomach scan?
They usually refer to the same appointment. An abdominal ultrasound is often called a stomach scan or stomach ultrasound, although the name is slightly misleading. The scan assesses the organs around the stomach, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen, rather than the stomach itself. The stomach contains air and food, which sound waves cannot pass through clearly.
Is a private gallbladder scan included, or do I book it separately?
It is included. A full gallbladder and bile duct assessment forms part of the £219 abdominal ultrasound, so there is no separate gallbladder scan fee. The sonographer checks the gallbladder for stones, sludge and wall thickening, and measures the bile ducts for any dilatation.
Consider booking if you have pain under the right ribs, pain that travels to the right shoulder blade, indigestion or nausea after fatty meals, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a previous scan showing gallstones that needs rechecking. Fasting for 4–6 hours matters most for this part of the scan, because a gallbladder that has emptied after a meal can hide smaller stones.
Do I need to fast before the scan?
Yes, fasting for 4–6 hours is usually recommended. This improves the view of the gallbladder and reduces bowel gas, which can obscure abdominal organs.
Can I drink water before the scan?
Small sips of water are usually fine. Please avoid food, tea and coffee during the fasting period unless you have been advised otherwise.
How long does an abdominal ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes around 20 minutes. Allow longer for the full appointment, as your sonographer takes a clinical history beforehand and explains the main findings afterwards. There is no recovery time and you can eat straight after.
Is the scan painful?
No. The scan is painless and non-invasive. You may feel gentle pressure from the probe and cool gel on the skin.
Does ultrasound use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionising radiation.
Can ultrasound detect gallstones?
Yes. Ultrasound is commonly used as a first-line test for suspected gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
Can ultrasound detect fatty liver?
Ultrasound can show features that suggest fatty liver, although blood tests and sometimes elastography may be needed for a fuller liver assessment.
Can a normal ultrasound rule out all abdominal disease?
No. A normal scan can be reassuring, but some conditions may require blood tests, CT, MRI, endoscopy or specialist review.
When will I get my results?
Your sonographer will explain the main findings after the scan. A written report with key images is usually sent within 24 hours.
Can I combine the scan with blood tests?
Yes. Liver, kidney, pancreatic and general health blood tests can be arranged alongside ultrasound where clinically appropriate.
Book a Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan in London
Get fast, clear answers about abdominal pain, gallstones, fatty liver, kidney stones, abnormal blood tests or organ health concerns. Book directly without a GP referral.