Ultrasound-Guided Joint Aspiration in London for private drainage of swollen joints, bursitis, ganglion cysts and joint effusions, with a clear price of £299 and no GP referral required.
Ultrasound-Guided Joint Aspiration is the private drainage of fluid from a swollen joint, bursa, or ganglion cyst using real-time ultrasound imaging. It can provide immediate symptomatic relief from tense effusions and allows fluid to be sent for analysis to diagnose gout, infection, pseudogout, or inflammatory arthritis. The price is £299. No GP referral is required.
A dual-purpose procedure for painful swelling: therapeutic drainage for pressure relief and diagnostic fluid analysis to identify the cause. It is particularly useful for knee effusion, ankle swelling, elbow bursitis, wrist ganglion cysts, Baker’s cysts, and suspected crystal arthritis.
Joint aspiration is useful because it can relieve pressure pain and, when needed, provide a sample for laboratory analysis. This can help distinguish inflammatory arthritis, gout, pseudogout, infection, and non-inflammatory fluid collections.
When fluid is under pressure inside a joint, bursa, or cyst, removing it can reduce pain and improve movement quickly.
The fluid can be sent to a laboratory when the diagnosis is uncertain or when infection or crystal arthritis needs to be excluded.
Joint aspiration removes fluid. Other treatments add medication to reduce inflammation, lubricate the joint, or support tissue healing. Your clinician will advise the most suitable option based on your ultrasound findings and symptoms.
Best for Bursitis, frozen shoulder, synovitis, trigger finger, and acute inflammatory flares.
Learn More →Best for Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, or small joints.
Learn More →Best for Chronic tendinopathy and selected soft tissue conditions where regenerative therapy is appropriate.
Learn More →Best for Tense effusion, ganglion cyst, suspected septic joint, gout, pseudogout, or fluid analysis.
Book — £299Aspiration is appropriate when there is a fluid collection causing pain, stiffness, visible swelling, or when the fluid needs laboratory testing to clarify the diagnosis.
A typical aspiration appointment takes around 30–45 minutes. The procedure itself is usually quick; most of the appointment is used for ultrasound confirmation, safety checks, consent, and aftercare advice.
Your clinician identifies the fluid collection, confirms the safest access route, and checks nearby vessels, nerves, and tendons.
The procedure, expected benefit, possible risks, and whether to send fluid for laboratory analysis are discussed before consent.
The skin is cleaned with antiseptic and local anaesthetic is used where appropriate to make the procedure more comfortable.
The needle is guided into the fluid collection under continuous ultrasound visualisation and the fluid is gently withdrawn.
A dressing is applied and you receive advice on activity, symptoms to monitor, and when laboratory results will be available if testing was requested.
Everything you need to know about ultrasound-guided joint aspiration at London Private Ultrasound.
Ultrasound-Guided Joint Aspiration is the removal of fluid from a joint, bursa, or cyst using a sterile needle while ultrasound imaging shows the needle position in real time. This improves accuracy, helps avoid nearby nerves and blood vessels, and allows the clinician to drain the correct fluid collection.
Ultrasound-Guided Joint Aspiration is priced at £299. If corticosteroid injection or laboratory fluid analysis is required, additional fees may apply and will be explained before the procedure.
Many patients with tense effusions feel immediate improvement because the pressure inside the joint or bursa is reduced as fluid is removed. The degree and duration of relief depends on the underlying cause.
Yes. Fluid can be sent for crystal analysis, cell count, culture, or other tests where clinically indicated. This can help diagnose gout, pseudogout, infection, or inflammatory arthritis.
Most patients tolerate aspiration well. You may feel a brief sting from local anaesthetic and pressure during the procedure. Ultrasound guidance helps reduce unnecessary probing and improves accuracy.
No. You can book directly online or by calling 020 7101 3377. For urgent cases such as severe swelling or suspected infection, please call rather than relying only on online availability.
For further information about joint aspiration, swollen joints, gout and septic arthritis, these external medical resources may be helpful.
Use the secure booking calendar to select your preferred clinic, date, and time. For urgent cases, severe acute pain, or suspected infected joint, call 020 7101 3377 directly.
Three ways to book your aspiration appointment or ask whether aspiration is the right option for your swelling or joint pain.
Use our secure booking platform to choose your preferred clinic and date. Instant confirmation by email.
Book your aspiration onlineAvailable 24 hours, 7 days a weekFor urgent aspiration, severe swelling, or suspected infection, call directly for triage and same-day availability.
020 7101 3377Mon–Sun · 9am–7pmHave existing imaging or want to discuss your condition before booking? Email our team with the details.
[email protected]We respond during clinic hours