The Rheumatology Screening Package at London Private Ultrasound combines diagnostic joint ultrasound, a comprehensive 7-test rheumatology blood panel, and a 30-minute GP consultation to integrate the findings into a working diagnosis. £699 all-inclusive. The most thorough first-line rheumatology screen available without specialist referral. No GP referral required.
A complete integrated rheumatology screen for patients with persistent joint pain, suspected inflammatory arthritis, or undiagnosed symptoms. Imaging and bloods together, interpreted by a GP into a single working diagnosis — no waiting list, no fragmented appointments. Available 7 days a week.
Each component answers a different diagnostic question. The ultrasound shows structural evidence of inflammation. The blood panel shows the immunological pattern of the disease. The GP consultation integrates both into a working diagnosis. Neither imaging nor bloods alone is sufficient — the integration is what produces a clear answer.
Real-time diagnostic imaging that detects synovitis, tendon inflammation, joint effusion, and early erosions — often before they appear on X-ray.
A first-line rheumatology blood panel covering the four major diagnostic categories — rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and connective tissue disease, and inflammation.
A 30-minute GP consultation that integrates the imaging findings, blood test results, and your specific symptom pattern into a working diagnosis and clear next-step plan.
This is a genuinely comprehensive first-line rheumatology screen. Each test in the panel targets a specific diagnostic category — together they cover rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and connective tissue disease, and the general pattern of inflammation. The combination of these seven tests is what allows the GP to triangulate to a working diagnosis from the laboratory side.
Identifies anaemia of chronic disease (common in rheumatoid arthritis), elevated white cell count (infection or active inflammation), and platelet abnormalities that occur in inflammatory disease.
A non-specific marker of inflammation that rises in active rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitis, and connective tissue disease. Particularly useful for monitoring disease activity over time.
A more sensitive and faster-responding inflammation marker than ESR. Elevated in active inflammatory arthritis, infection, and tissue injury. Used together with ESR to establish the inflammatory pattern.
The single most important test for diagnosing gout — the most common inflammatory arthritis in men over 40. Elevated levels strongly suggest gout in the right clinical context, particularly in acute monoarthritis.
A long-established marker for rheumatoid arthritis. Sensitive but not entirely specific — can be raised in other connective tissue diseases, chronic infections, and a small percentage of healthy people, which is why it is interpreted alongside Anti-CCP.
A highly specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis — significantly more specific than Rheumatoid Factor. Often positive in early rheumatoid arthritis before clinical signs develop, making this test particularly valuable for early diagnosis.
The first-line screening test for connective tissue disease — including lupus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disease. A positive ANA result triggers further specific antibody testing where clinically indicated.
Ultrasound is the recommended first-line imaging investigation for inflammatory joint disease. It can detect synovitis and early erosions before they appear on X-ray, distinguishes active inflammation from established damage with Doppler imaging, and is performed in real time without ionising radiation.
Inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) — the cardinal feature of inflammatory arthritis. Synovial thickening is measured and graded; active synovitis suggests rheumatoid, psoriatic, or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis.
Detects active blood flow within inflamed synovium — distinguishing genuinely active disease from quiescent damage. A decisive finding for treatment planning and disease activity monitoring.
Bone surface defects from inflammatory joint damage — often visible on ultrasound months before they appear on X-ray. Critical for early rheumatoid arthritis where treatment timing significantly affects long-term outcomes.
Inflammation of the tendon sheaths around the joint — a frequent and often overlooked feature of inflammatory arthritis, particularly in the wrists and hands. Identification supports the inflammatory diagnosis.
Excess fluid within the joint cavity — quantified and characterised. Even small effusions invisible on examination are detectable on ultrasound. Aspiration can be arranged where crystal arthropathy or septic joint exclusion is needed.
Visualisation of urate crystals (gout) and calcium pyrophosphate crystals (pseudogout) — characteristic ultrasound appearances that often confirm the diagnosis without need for joint aspiration.
A structured pathway designed to take you from undiagnosed joint pain to a clear working diagnosis and management plan in approximately one week — significantly faster than the typical NHS or fragmented private route.
Book online or by phone — no GP referral required. Choose your preferred clinic and time, including weekends. Your appointment is confirmed by email.
At a single 45–60 minute visit, your specialist performs the joint ultrasound and your blood sample is taken for the comprehensive panel. Same-day verbal explanation of ultrasound findings.
Blood panel results back within 2 working days. Combined with the imaging findings, your full diagnostic dataset is now ready for the GP consultation.
A 30-minute GP consultation integrates the ultrasound, the blood results, and your symptom history into a working diagnosis and personalised plan — typically within one week of your initial visit.
Your GP issues a comprehensive written report and, where specialist rheumatology input is needed, a formal referral letter to NHS or private rheumatology — accelerating the next stage of your care significantly.
The combination of comprehensive blood panel and joint ultrasound covers the major inflammatory and metabolic joint conditions that present with persistent or undiagnosed joint pain. Each diagnostic category is supported by specific tests and imaging findings that together form a clear pattern.
This package is the right choice for patients with persistent joint pain or suspected inflammatory arthritis who want a comprehensive screening pathway. There are also situations where a different option is more appropriate — here’s how to choose.
Rheumatology is one of the few specialties where a definitive answer genuinely requires both imaging and serology. Neither alone is sufficient — and a list of test results without expert integration is just data, not a diagnosis. This package delivers all three.
Up to a third of early rheumatoid arthritis is seronegative — RF and Anti-CCP can both be negative while the disease is actively damaging joints. Without imaging, those patients miss the early diagnostic window entirely.
Synovitis on ultrasound has many possible causes — rheumatoid, psoriatic, reactive, lupus-related, or post-viral. Without serology to identify the immunological pattern, the imaging finding cannot be classified or treated correctly.
A list of imaging findings and lab values without clinical interpretation is just data. The 30-minute GP consultation transforms the dataset into a working diagnosis, a plan, and — where needed — an accelerated path to specialist care.
Everything you need to know about the £699 Rheumatology Screening Package at London Private Ultrasound.
The Rheumatology Screening Package is a comprehensive £699 service that combines three integrated components in a single coordinated pathway:
The package produces a clear working diagnosis in the majority of cases, plus a written report and onward referral letter to NHS or private rheumatology where specialist input is needed.
The package costs £699 all-inclusive. This covers:
If additional blood tests are recommended based on your specific symptoms — for example HLA-B27 if ankylosing spondylitis is suspected — these may be ordered separately and discussed during the consultation.
The blood panel includes seven tests covering the four major rheumatology diagnostic categories:
Results are typically available within 2 working days of the blood draw.
The joint ultrasound provides real-time diagnostic assessment of up to two joints. Specific findings include:
Ultrasound has the major advantage of detecting synovitis and early erosions before they appear on X-ray — particularly valuable for early rheumatoid arthritis where treatment timing significantly affects long-term outcomes.
The package is designed to screen for the major inflammatory and metabolic joint conditions:
If ankylosing spondylitis or spondyloarthropathy is specifically suspected based on your symptoms, additional blood testing (HLA-B27) may be recommended at extra cost — your GP will discuss this during the consultation if relevant.
The pathway is designed to deliver a working diagnosis within approximately one week:
The package is designed to produce a working diagnosis and clear next-step plan in the majority of cases. It is the most thorough first-line rheumatology screen available without specialist referral.
Where the imaging and bloods together give a clear picture — for example active rheumatoid arthritis with elevated CRP, positive Anti-CCP, and synovitis with Power Doppler signal on ultrasound — the GP can confirm the diagnosis, explain the condition, and start an initial treatment plan or onward referral.
For complex or atypical presentations — particularly suspected lupus, vasculitis, or unusual connective tissue disease — specialist rheumatologist referral may still be needed for definitive diagnosis. The screening package, including the ultrasound and blood findings, accelerates that specialist appointment significantly because the rheumatologist already has the diagnostic data they need.
No. You do not require a GP referral for the Rheumatology Screening Package. Self-refer directly online at londonsono.com or call 020 7101 3377. Appointments are available 7 days a week including weekends at our Central London (27 Welbeck Street, Harley Street medical district) and St Albans (54–56 Victoria Street) clinics.
Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case. Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast — no strings attached.
If your screening identifies a condition that requires NHS rheumatology specialist management — for example confirmed rheumatoid arthritis needing DMARD therapy, suspected lupus needing immunology workup, or vasculitis needing urgent specialist care — your GP generates a same-day formal referral letter at no additional charge. The referral is significantly stronger because it includes confirmed imaging findings and serology results — meaning your specialist appointment is more productive from the first visit.
Our team are fully registered and regulated for practice in the United Kingdom. Our patients should expect nothing less.
The screening package is delivered by a team of HCPC-registered MSK specialist clinicians and a GMC-registered specialist doctor. The ultrasound is performed by a consultant MSK clinician; the integrated consultation is delivered by our specialist GP.
NMP · DipMSK · DFSEM · CSP · PgCert · HCPC: PH105122 · Specialist in joint ultrasound, synovitis assessment, and inflammatory arthritis imaging
MD · MRCGP · DRCOG · GMC: 6060555 · Specialist GP delivering the integrated diagnostic consultation, blood result interpretation, and onward referral pathway
MSc (General Medical & Gynaecology Ultrasound) · MSc (Vascular Medical Ultrasound) · PGD (Breast Medical Ultrasound) · SoR: 99489 · SVT: 0819
Advanced Practitioner Sonographer · HCPC: RA70119 · SOR: 20060 · MSK and general medical ultrasound
★★★★★“After months of unexplained joint pain and a long NHS waiting list, this package gave me real answers in a week. The blood results, scan findings, and the GP consultation came together to confirm early rheumatoid arthritis. The referral to my NHS rheumatologist was massively faster as a result.”
★★★★★“Brilliant integrated service. The scan was thorough, the bloods came back quickly, and the GP took proper time to explain what everything meant. Came away with a clear plan rather than a confusing list of test results.”
★★★★★“Worth every penny. I’d been told it was probably just wear-and-tear. The ultrasound found active synovitis and the bloods were positive for Anti-CCP. Got a written report I could take to my consultant — game changer.”
Use the secure booking calendar to select your preferred clinic, date, and time. For advice on whether the package is right for you, call 020 7101 3377. We are open 7 days a week including weekends.
Three ways to book your rheumatology screening — or to find out whether this package is right for your specific situation.
Use our secure booking platform to choose your preferred clinic and date. Instant confirmation by email. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Book your screening online Available 24 hours, 7 days a weekUnsure whether this package is right for your symptoms? Call us — our team will discuss your situation and advise on whether this or a different option suits best.
020 7101 3377 Mon–Sun · 9am–7pmHave a question about your symptoms or want to share previous bloods or imaging before booking? Email our team directly with the details.
[email protected] We respond within a few hours during clinic hours