Tissue stiffness
SWE provides a numerical stiffness reading in kPa. Stiffness information may be useful in liver fibrosis assessment and selected thyroid, breast or testicular ultrasound findings.
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What it measures
How it is used
Where available
Thyroid · £499
Liver · £499
Breast · £539
Testis · £499
Standalone · from £360
Reassuring
Indeterminate
Suspicious
Emergency
What SWE can add
What SWE cannot replace
Dr Babak SoleimanpourMedical Director · GMC 6060555
Mr Pedram AghaeiMedical Writer and Editorial Lead
Reporting clinicianScan report sign-off
Shear Wave Elastography · Thyroid, Liver, Breast & Testis · London clinic only
No GP referral · Harley Street medical district
Private Shear Wave Elastography in Harley Street, London
Quantitative ultrasound elastography for thyroid, liver, breast and testis. Shear wave elastography measures tissue stiffness in kilopascals (kPa) and is interpreted alongside your standard ultrasound images, clinical history and previous results.
Ultrasound + SWE from £499. Written report usually sent within 24 hours. Available at 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN.
Clinical content reviewed by Dr Babak Soleimanpour · Editorial update by Mr Pedram Aghaei · Review details
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AI overview answer
Shear wave elastography at London Private Ultrasound — at a glance
Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive ultrasound technique that measures tissue stiffness in kilopascals (kPa). London Private Ultrasound offers private SWE in Central London for the thyroid, liver, breast and testis. It is an add-on to conventional ultrasound, not a replacement. Ultrasound + SWE starts from £499; breast ultrasound + SWE is £539. Standalone SWE may be available from £360 if you have a recent suitable ultrasound report. No GP referral is required.
What it isUltrasound measurement of tissue stiffness in kPa.
Where27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN.
PriceUltrasound + SWE from £499; breast from £539.
ReferralNo GP referral required for private booking.
Additional information
The kPa result is interpreted with the conventional ultrasound images, your symptoms, medical history, previous scans and any relevant blood tests.
London clinic only
SWE is currently available at 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN. It is not currently available at the St Albans clinic.
Choose your scan
Organ-specific shear wave elastography services
Each bundled appointment includes a conventional ultrasound first, followed by elastography measurement where clinically appropriate. The written report integrates both parts of the assessment.
Thyroid Ultrasound + SWE
For selected thyroid nodules where stiffness data may add useful information to greyscale and Doppler ultrasound findings.
Liver Ultrasound + SWE
For liver stiffness assessment and fibrosis screening pathways. A 2-hour fast is recommended, with water allowed.
Breast Ultrasound + SWE
For selected breast lesions where stiffness data may support conventional breast ultrasound assessment and clinical decision-making.
Testicular Ultrasound + SWE
For selected testicular or scrotal findings where stiffness measurement can support the standard ultrasound assessment.
SWE-only add-on after a recent scan
Standalone elastography may be possible if you already have a recent, clinically suitable conventional ultrasound report for comparison.
Important clinical note
SWE is not a diagnosis by itself. It does not replace biopsy, specialist review, blood tests, mammography, MRI, CT or histology when these are clinically indicated.
Transparent pricing
Shear wave elastography prices
Prices include the scan appointment, verbal explanation in the room and a written report usually sent within 24 hours.
| Service | Best for | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional ultrasound only | Initial structural assessment without elastography. | Standard organ-specific ultrasound and written report. | £219 |
| Thyroid scan + SWE | Selected thyroid nodule assessment. | Conventional thyroid ultrasound + kPa stiffness measurements. | £499 |
| Liver scan + SWE | Liver stiffness / fibrosis screening pathway. | Conventional liver ultrasound + elastography. 2-hour fast recommended. | £499 |
| Testis scan + SWE | Selected testicular or scrotal findings. | Conventional testicular ultrasound + kPa measurements. | £499 |
| Breast scan + SWE | Selected breast lesions where stiffness data may help interpretation. | Conventional breast ultrasound + elastography. | £539 |
| Standalone SWE | Patients with a recent suitable conventional ultrasound report. | Elastography measurement only, subject to clinical suitability. | £360 Breast standalone: £400 |
Insurance: London Private Ultrasound works with many major private medical insurers. Please obtain a pre-authorisation code before your appointment where applicable.
How it works
From booking to written report
The appointment is designed to be clear, efficient and clinically useful.
Choose & book
Book the relevant thyroid, liver, breast or testicular SWE option. No GP referral is required.
Pre-scan conversation
Your clinician confirms your symptoms, history and the reason for the scan before imaging begins.
Attend the clinic
Visit our London clinic at 27 Welbeck Street in the Harley Street medical district.
Ultrasound first
The conventional ultrasound assessment is performed before the elastography measurement.
SWE measurement
The elastography mode is used to record tissue stiffness values in kPa where technically and clinically appropriate.
Report and next steps
You receive verbal findings in the room and a written report with recommendations, usually within 24 hours.
Patient walkthrough
What happens in the scan room
A clear, step-by-step appointment experience helps you understand what is being assessed and why.
1. Arrival and clinical chat
Your clinician asks about symptoms, previous imaging, blood tests, biopsies, medication and the area being assessed.
2. Preparation and comfort
You will be asked to expose the area being scanned. A chaperone is available on request, and you can pause or stop the examination at any time.
3. Ultrasound and SWE
Warm gel is applied. The conventional ultrasound is performed first, followed by shear wave elastography stiffness measurements.
4. Verbal findings
After the scan, your clinician explains the key findings in the room before the written report is prepared.
Clinical pathways
If something is found
Your report will explain the findings and recommend the most appropriate next step.
Routine advice
Where findings look benign or stable, the report may provide reassurance, self-care advice, or routine follow-up guidance if symptoms change.
Clinical correlation
If findings are mixed or uncertain, the report may recommend GP or specialist review, blood tests, repeat imaging or further investigation.
Urgent referral advice
If suspicious features are seen, we advise appropriate urgent onward care through your GP, NHS pathway or private specialist.
Immediate care
If a serious urgent concern is identified, you may be advised to call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
Safety and limitations
How we use shear wave elastography safely
SWE can add useful stiffness information, but thresholds and interpretation vary by organ, condition, patient factors and the quality of the measurement.
Quantitative stiffness data
SWE provides a kPa stiffness measurement that can support liver fibrosis assessment and selected thyroid, breast or testicular ultrasound interpretation.
Clinical judgement and onward tests
SWE does not replace biopsy, blood tests, mammography, MRI, CT, histology or specialist assessment where these are clinically indicated.
Prostate SWE is not currently offered
London Private Ultrasound is reviewing the clinical evidence and pathway requirements before introducing prostate shear wave elastography. This avoids overpromising for an indication that usually requires specialist urology-led assessment.
Local availability
Shear wave elastography in Harley Street, Marylebone and Central London
Our London clinic is close to Harley Street, Marylebone, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Mayfair and surrounding Central London areas.
Harley StreetMaryleboneBond StreetOxford CircusMayfairCentral London
London clinic
London Private Ultrasound
27 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8EN
Convenient for patients travelling from Harley Street, Marylebone, Mayfair and wider Central London.
Availability note
Shear wave elastography is currently available at the London clinic only. It is not currently available at the St Albans clinic.
Please call the clinic if you are unsure which scan option is most suitable.
E-E-A-T / governance
Clinical review, reporting and governance
This page separates website content review from scan reporting, so patients understand who reviews the page and who signs the clinical report.
Clinical governance and medical content review for London Private Ultrasound.
Website content editing, service information and patient-facing medical writing.
Your scan is performed and reported by the clinical ultrasound team. Your written report is signed by the reporting clinician.
FAQ
Shear wave elastography — common questions
What is shear wave elastography?
Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound technique that measures tissue stiffness in kilopascals (kPa). It is performed alongside conventional ultrasound imaging.
Is SWE a replacement for standard ultrasound?
No. SWE is an adjunct to standard ultrasound. The stiffness measurement is interpreted with the ultrasound images, clinical history and any relevant previous results.
How much does shear wave elastography cost?
Thyroid, liver and testicular ultrasound + SWE are £499. Breast ultrasound + SWE is £539. Standalone elastography may be available from £360 where a recent suitable ultrasound report is available.
Which organs does LPU offer SWE for?
London Private Ultrasound currently offers SWE for thyroid, liver, breast and testis. Prostate shear wave elastography is not currently offered.
Do I need a GP referral?
No GP referral is required. You can book directly. Please bring previous imaging, blood tests or specialist letters if available.
How long does the appointment take?
Most bundled ultrasound + SWE appointments take around 20–30 minutes, depending on the organ assessed and the complexity of the findings.
Where is SWE available?
SWE is currently available at the London clinic only: 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN. It is not currently available at the St Albans clinic.
Do I need preparation?
Most patients do not need special preparation. For liver SWE, a 2-hour fast is recommended, with water permitted.
Is shear wave elastography safe?
SWE uses diagnostic ultrasound technology. There is no ionising radiation, no contrast injection and no biopsy as part of the scan.
Can I have SWE if I am pregnant?
Please tell the clinic and scanning clinician if you are pregnant. The clinical team will confirm whether the requested scan is appropriate for your situation.
Will my insurance cover SWE?
London Private Ultrasound works with many major private medical insurers. Please contact your insurer before the appointment to confirm coverage and obtain a pre-authorisation code if required.
What does the written report include?
The report includes the conventional ultrasound findings, SWE kPa measurements where obtained, limitations where relevant, and recommendations for onward care if needed.
Who signs the scan report?
Your clinical report is signed by the reporting clinician who performs or reports the scan. Website content is reviewed separately by the clinical governance and editorial team.
Book your appointment
Book private shear wave elastography in Harley Street
Ultrasound + SWE from £499, available at 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN. No GP referral required. Verbal explanation in the scan room and written report usually within 24 hours.
For liver SWE, please fast for 2 hours before the appointment unless told otherwise. Water is permitted.
Clinical content reviewed: 22/06/2026 by Dr Babak Soleimanpour, Medical Director, GMC 6060555.
Editorial update: 22/06/2026 by Mr Pedram Aghaei, Medical Writer and Editorial Lead.
Next review due: 22/12/2026.
Editorial update: 22/06/2026 by Mr Pedram Aghaei, Medical Writer and Editorial Lead.
Next review due: 22/12/2026.