Appendix Ultrasound Scan
£219
Scan only. The appendix and the tissues around it with graded compression and colour Doppler, verbal results on the day and a written report within 24 hours.
Book scan · £219Appendix scan · appendicitis ultrasound · Harley Street, Central London & St Albans · 7 days a week
Private Appendix Ultrasound Scan in London
An appendix ultrasound scan, also called an appendicitis ultrasound, uses sound waves to look at the appendix in the lower right side of your tummy. Your sonographer presses gently with the probe and uses colour Doppler to check for swelling, inflammation and extra blood flow. There is no radiation.
At London Private Ultrasound an appendix ultrasound scan costs £219, with no GP referral needed. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, your findings are explained on the day, and your written report follows within 24 hours.
- £219 all-inclusive
- No GP referral
- Same-day appointments
- Report within 24 hours
- No radiation
- Open 7 days, 9am–7pm
Severe or worsening tummy pain?
Go to A&E or call 999 rather than booking a routine scan. For milder symptoms, the Appendicitis Health Package £395 adds a GP appointment and blood tests. Compare the options.
£219all-inclusive
20 minutesno radiation
No referralbook directly
Same-dayverbal results
Quick facts
Appendix Ultrasound Scan at a Glance
| Price | £219 all-inclusive · Appendicitis Health Package £395 |
|---|---|
| Also called | Appendicitis ultrasound · appendix scan · ultrasound of the appendix |
| What it checks | The appendix and the tissues around it in the lower right side of the tummy, with compression and blood flow |
| Preparation | Fasting for 4–6 hours if practical · never delay urgent care to prepare |
| Results | Verbal on the day · written report within 24 hours |
Want a GP and blood tests too?
Appendix Ultrasound or Appendicitis Health Package?
Both include an appendix ultrasound. The Appendicitis Health Package adds a routine private GP appointment and a blood panel, which suits people with ongoing symptoms who are not acutely unwell and want the scan and the wider picture together.
Appendicitis Health Package
£395
The appendix ultrasound, a routine private GP appointment on the first Friday after your test day and a blood panel including full blood count with ESR, CRP, kidney, liver and other routine markers. Not for severe or worsening pain, which needs A&E.
Book Appendicitis Health Package · £395
What the scan shows
What Can an Appendicitis Ultrasound Show?
Your sonographer looks for the appendix in the lower right side of the tummy, presses gently with the probe and explains what they see as they go.
An enlarged appendix
A normal appendix is usually narrow. An appendix that measures wider than normal is one of the main signs of appendicitis on ultrasound.
Reduced compressibility
A healthy appendix squashes under gentle probe pressure. One that stays rigid and will not compress can be inflamed, which is why a non-compressible appendix is reported.
Wall thickening
Inflammation can thicken the appendix wall. Your sonographer measures it and looks at its layers.
Increased blood flow
Colour Doppler can show extra blood flow in and around an inflamed appendix, which supports a diagnosis of appendicitis.
Changes around the appendix
Fluid, swollen fatty tissue and enlarged lymph nodes beside the appendix are secondary signs that help point to inflammation.
Collections and complications
A small pocket of fluid or pus (an abscess) near the appendix, or other findings in the lower right side of the tummy, are looked for and reported.
Know the limits
What an Appendix Ultrasound Cannot Always Tell You
Ultrasound is a useful first test and carries no radiation, but it has limits you should know before you book.
- The appendix is not always seenBowel gas, the position of the appendix or body shape can hide it. If it is not seen, your report says so and does not call it normal.
- Early inflammation can be subtleIn the first hours of appendicitis the changes on ultrasound may be small, so symptoms that persist or worsen need medical review whatever the scan showed.
- A normal scan does not exclude appendicitisIf your pain is severe or getting worse, do not rely on a normal result. Go to A&E, where a doctor can examine you and arrange blood tests or CT if needed.
- Pain can have other causesThe scan can also pick up other problems in the lower right side of the tummy, and your report explains what it can and cannot say.
Why ultrasound first
Benefits of an Appendix Ultrasound Scan
When symptoms are mild or unclear, an appendicitis ultrasound is a quick first test that does not use radiation.
- No radiationUltrasound uses sound waves, so it is safe to repeat and suits anyone who wants to avoid X-rays or CT.
- No referral and no waiting listBook directly online, with same-day and next-day appointments often available, 7 days a week.
- Painless and quickThere are no needles or injections. The scan takes around 20 minutes, and gentle pressure with the probe is all you feel.
- Answers on the dayYour sonographer talks you through the findings before you leave, and the written report follows within 24 hours.
- Blood flow in real timeColour Doppler shows whether the appendix and the tissue around it have extra blood flow, which helps separate inflammation from a normal appendix.
- A clear next stepIf anything needs urgent attention, you are told straight away and your report says what to do next.
Do you need one?
Who Needs an Appendix Ultrasound Scan?
Most people book because of pain in the lower right side of the tummy that has not settled, or because a doctor suggested looking at the appendix.
Pain moving to the lower right
Pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right side of the tummy is the classic pattern of appendicitis.
Pain that worsens with movement
Pain that gets worse when you cough, walk, jump or press on the lower right side of the tummy.
Nausea, vomiting or no appetite
Feeling sick, vomiting or going off your food alongside lower right tummy pain.
A raised temperature
A low-grade fever together with tummy pain that has built up over hours or days.
Bowel changes
Diarrhoea, constipation or a swollen tummy that comes with the pain.
Ongoing or unexplained pain
Repeated or lingering lower right pain, or abnormal inflammatory blood results, where you want the appendix looked at.
Do not wait for a routine scan if your pain is severe, getting worse, or comes with a high temperature, repeated vomiting, a hard tummy or you feel very unwell. Appendicitis can become an emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E now.
Your appointment
How to Prepare for Your Appendix Ultrasound Scan
If it is practical, avoid eating for 4 to 6 hours before the scan, because food and gas in the bowel can make the appendix harder to see. Drink water as normal. A comfortably full bladder may help some patients, and we will tell you when you book. Never delay urgent care to prepare.
1Before you come
Fast if practical, keep sipping water
Wear loose clothing that is easy to lift at the waist. Bring any recent blood results, scan reports or GP letters. If your pain is getting worse, do not wait: seek urgent help.
2When you arrive
A short chat about your symptoms
Your sonographer asks where the pain is, when it started and whether it has moved, so the scan can focus on the right place.
3About 20 minutes
The scan itself
You lie on your back and warm gel goes on your tummy. The probe presses gently over the lower right side, and you will be asked to point out where it hurts. It can feel tender in the area that is sore.
After your scan
- Right afterVerbal results
Your sonographer talks you through what they saw and answers your questions before you leave.
- Within 24 hoursWritten report by email
A formal report with key images, ready to share with your GP or hospital team.
- If appendicitis is suspectedUrgent next steps
We explain what was found and advise same-day A&E, GP or surgical assessment, and provide a referral letter if you need one.
After the scan
Understanding Your Appendix Ultrasound Results
Your report describes whether the appendix was seen, its size and compressibility, the blood flow and any changes nearby. Most results fall into one of three groups.
- Appendix seen and normalNo signs of appendicitis
The appendix is seen, compresses and looks normal. This is reassuring, but if pain worsens you should still be assessed in person.
- Appendix not seenNot identified
This is common and does not mean the appendix is normal or inflamed. Your report says whether other findings help, and whether further tests or a medical review are advised.
- Signs of appendicitisUrgent assessment
An enlarged, non-compressible appendix with thickened walls or extra blood flow needs same-day surgical assessment. We tell you on the day and advise where to go.
Why us
Why People Choose London Private Ultrasound for Their Appendix Ultrasound Scan
Same-day and next-day appointments
Book a same-day or next-day appendix ultrasound scan, 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with no GP referral and no NHS waiting list.
Experienced ultrasound clinicians
Consultant radiologists and ultrasound consultants perform your scan at a CQC-registered clinic, with doctor-led clinical governance.
Verbal results on the day
Your sonographer talks you through the findings before you leave. The written report with key images follows within 24 hours.
Fixed, all-inclusive price
£219 covers the scan, verbal results, the written report and a referral letter if you need one, at Harley Street or St Albans. Nothing extra to pay afterwards.
Patient reviews
What Patients Say About Us
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Verified patientVerified Doctify review★★★★★
I had a very positive experience at London Private Ultrasound. The whole process was smooth and professional, and I felt very comfortable throughout the appointment. The sonographer was kind, thorough and took the time to explain everything clearly during the scan. I really appreciated the level of care and attention, and the examination helped identify the cause of the symptoms I had been experiencing. I would definitely recommend their service.
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K91LGoogle review★★★★★
This is my third visit to the London Private Ultrasound. The earlier ones were in 2022, then 2024 I got my appointment very quickly, at an agreed and mutually convenient time. I specifically asked for Dr Reza again. As before, he was professional, kind and unhurried, There was ample time to discuss findings which was very reassuring. I received the full report the following morning I continue to recommend this excellent service to my colleagues. Many thanks for keeping up such high standards !
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Verified patientVerified Doctify review★★★★★
Looked on line at 9.30 ,had an appointment at 10.40 ,results before 12 , Could not have been easier or more professional
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Emma DreikeGoogle review★★★★★
Very easy to book at short notice. Friendly staff and professional Sonographer. Would definitely book again.
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Anne B. JordalGoogle review★★★★★
Quick and easy to make an appointment, I arrived early and was seen early due to availability. Very nice
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romi 55Google review★★★★★
Very happy with ultrasound very throrough examination. Will use again
- Same-day & weekend appointments
- Verbal results before you leave
- Written report within 24 hours
- CQC registered, Harley Street since 2012
Find us
Private Appendix Ultrasound Near Me: Central London and St Albans
Two clinics, seven days a week, 9am to 7pm, with same-day and next-day appointments frequently available. Both offer the full appendix ultrasound at £219, with verbal results on the day and a written report within 24 hours.
Central London: Harley Street Medical District
27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Two minutes from Bond Street (Elizabeth line, Central, Jubilee), five from Oxford Circus, eight from Marylebone and Baker Street. Convenient for patients travelling in from Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Soho, the City and Paddington.
St Albans: Hertfordshire
54–56 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3HZ
A short walk from St Albans City station, with parking nearby. Convenient for patients across Hertfordshire, North London, Watford, Hatfield, Harpenden and Welwyn Garden City.
Accredited · regulated · trusted
Clinical governance and professional registers
Our clinic is CQC registered, and our doctors, radiologists, sonographers and surgeons work under the registers and professional standards set by these bodies.
The Royal College of Radiologists
Professional standards, education and guidance for clinical radiology and clinical oncology.
General Medical Council
Official register and professional standards for doctors and regulated medical associates.
Care Quality Commission
Independent regulator of health and adult social-care services in England.
Health and Care Professions Council
Official register for regulated health and care professionals, including radiographers.
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Professional standards, education and support for surgical practice and patient care.
Who you will see
Meet Your Appendix Ultrasound Team
Questions
Appendix Ultrasound Scan: Frequently Asked Questions
Can an ultrasound show appendicitis?
Yes, when the appendix can be seen. Ultrasound can show an appendix that is wider than usual, does not squash under gentle pressure, has a thick wall or extra blood flow, and fluid or inflamed tissue around it. It does not show appendicitis in every patient.
Can you see the appendix on an ultrasound?
Often, but not always. The appendix is a narrow pouch that can sit behind the bowel, so bowel gas, body shape and its position can hide it. When it is visible, your sonographer measures it and checks how it responds to pressure.
What if the appendix is not seen on my ultrasound?
Not seeing the appendix is common and does not mean it is normal. Your report will say what could and could not be assessed. If pain continues, we advise urgent medical review, blood tests, a repeat scan or CT.
How much does a private appendix ultrasound cost in London?
A private appendix ultrasound in London usually costs about £200 to £250, depending on the clinic. At London Private Ultrasound it is £219, all-inclusive: the scan, verbal results on the day and a written report with images. The Appendicitis Health Package starts at £395.
Do I need a GP referral for an appendix ultrasound?
No. You can book directly online, by phone on 020 7101 3377 or on WhatsApp. Our appendix scan is for adults aged 18 and over. Bring any recent blood tests, GP notes or earlier scans if you have them.
Do I need a full bladder or to fast for an appendix ultrasound?
If you can, avoid food for 4 to 6 hours, which reduces bowel gas. A comfortably full bladder can help some women when the pelvis needs checking too. Never delay urgent care to prepare: if you are in significant pain, seek help first.
How is an appendix ultrasound done, and how long does it take?
You lie on your back and your sonographer moves a probe with warm gel over the lower right side of your tummy, pressing gradually and using colour Doppler. The scan takes about 20 minutes, including a short chat about your symptoms.
Is an appendix scan painful or safe?
It is safe, with no radiation and no needles. The scan is not painful, but the area can feel tender when the probe presses, especially if the appendix is inflamed. Tell your sonographer and they will adjust the pressure.
Where is the appendix and what does appendicitis pain feel like?
The appendix is a small pouch on the lower right side of your tummy. Pain often starts around the belly button, then moves to the lower right and worsens with movement, coughing or pressure, often with nausea, appetite loss or a raised temperature.
Can ultrasound show chronic or grumbling appendicitis?
Ultrasound can look for a thickened, rigid or inflamed appendix in people with long-lasting or on-and-off right-sided pain. Chronic appendicitis is harder to pin down, and a normal scan does not rule it out, so ongoing pain needs a doctor’s review.
Is an ultrasound or a CT scan better for appendicitis?
Ultrasound is a sensible first test because it uses no radiation and can be done quickly. Hospitals use CT when ultrasound is unclear or the appendix is not seen. We do not offer CT, so if CT is needed, your report will say so.
Can a pelvic ultrasound detect appendicitis?
Sometimes the appendix is seen on a pelvic scan, but a pelvic scan is aimed at the womb, ovaries or bladder and does not look for appendicitis properly. A targeted appendix ultrasound examines the lower right side with graded compression.
When should I go to A&E instead of booking an appendix scan?
Go to A&E or call 999 for severe or worsening pain, repeated vomiting, high fever, confusion, a hard or swollen tummy or pain when walking. Appendicitis can worsen within hours, and a private scan should never delay emergency care.
What happens if my appendix ultrasound shows appendicitis?
Your sonographer explains the finding straight away and advises urgent A&E or surgical assessment. You leave with your written report and images to hand over, so the hospital team can act without repeating the same questions.
When will I get my appendix ultrasound results?
Your sonographer gives you verbal results before you leave. The written report with key images follows by email within 24 hours, ready to share with your GP, an urgent care team or the hospital.
Can I get a same-day appendix ultrasound near me in London?
Often, yes. Both clinics, 27 Welbeck Street in Central London and Victoria Street in St Albans, are open 7 days a week from 9am to 7pm, with same-day and next-day appointments. Call 020 7101 3377 to book today.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information and does not replace individual medical advice. An appendix ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test: it cannot always see the appendix, and a normal scan cannot rule out appendicitis. Call 999 or go to A&E rather than booking a routine scan if you have severe or worsening tummy pain, a high temperature, repeated vomiting, a hard tummy or you feel very unwell.
Source: NHS, Appendicitis.
Written byMr Pedram Aghaei, Co-founder & Medical Writer
Clinically reviewed byDr Babak Soleimanpour, Medical Director & GP
Last reviewed · next review due October 2027