Thyroid ultrasound
Standard diagnostic thyroid and neck ultrasound without elastography.
£219
Thyroid SWE · TIRADS adjunct · GE LOGIQ E10s
Private Thyroid Shear Wave Elastography in Harley Street District, London
Add quantitative tissue-stiffness measurement to your conventional thyroid ultrasound. Thyroid shear wave elastography is used as an adjunct to standard ultrasound, TIRADS classification, clinical history and thyroid blood tests where relevant — not as a replacement for FNA where cytology is indicated.
Thyroid ultrasound + SWE: £499
Includes the conventional thyroid ultrasound and shear wave elastography measurement in one appointment, with verbal explanation in the scan room and a written report within 24 hours.
Includes the conventional thyroid ultrasound and shear wave elastography measurement in one appointment, with verbal explanation in the scan room and a written report within 24 hours.
Safety message: SWE does not diagnose thyroid cancer and does not replace TIRADS-based FNA, cytology, endocrinology review or surgical histology where indicated.
Medically reviewed by Mr Pedram Aghaei & Dr Babak Soleimanpour · Review details
CQC
ICO
GMC
SOR
SVT
HCPC
NMC
GPhC
SEO / AEO Summary
Thyroid SWE London — quick patient answer
Thyroid SWE is a private ultrasound elastography add-on that measures thyroid tissue or thyroid nodule stiffness in kilopascals (kPa). It is used alongside conventional thyroid ultrasound and TIRADS assessment, not as a replacement for FNA cytology where indicated. At London Private Ultrasound, thyroid ultrasound + SWE is priced at £499, and standalone thyroid SWE is priced at £359 when a recent suitable thyroid ultrasound is already available.
Focus testThyroid SWE / thyroid nodule stiffness measurement.
PriceScan + SWE £499; standalone £359.
ReferralNo GP referral required for private booking.
Location27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN.
AI Overview Answer
Thyroid shear wave elastography at LPU — direct answer
Private thyroid shear wave elastography at London Private Ultrasound is a specialist ultrasound add-on that measures thyroid tissue or thyroid nodule stiffness in kilopascals (kPa). It is performed during a conventional thyroid ultrasound on the GE LOGIQ E10s at 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN. The bundled thyroid ultrasound + SWE appointment costs £499; standalone thyroid SWE is £359 if you have had a recent conventional thyroid ultrasound elsewhere. SWE may support thyroid nodule risk assessment alongside TIRADS, but it does not diagnose thyroid cancer and does not replace FNA cytology or specialist referral where indicated.
Service Overview
Thyroid SWE at a glance
| Service | Conventional thyroid ultrasound with optional shear wave elastography measurement. |
|---|---|
| Main purpose | To add quantitative tissue-stiffness data to conventional thyroid ultrasound and TIRADS assessment. |
| Machine | GE LOGIQ E10s — GE HealthCare premium ultrasound system with hardware-integrated shear wave imaging. |
| Bundled price | £499 for thyroid ultrasound + shear wave elastography in one appointment. |
| Standalone SWE | £359 if you already have a recent conventional thyroid ultrasound report. |
| Conventional scan only | £219 for conventional thyroid ultrasound without SWE. |
| Preparation | No special preparation is usually needed. |
| Referral | No GP referral required. Direct booking by phone, WhatsApp or online. |
| Available at | London only: 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN. Not currently available at St Albans. |
| Report | Verbal explanation in the scan room; written report within 24 hours. |
| Clinical position | Adjunct to conventional ultrasound and TIRADS. Not a replacement for FNA cytology, endocrinology review or histology where indicated. |
Scan Type By Symptom
Which scan is right for you?
General information, not a diagnosis; for severe, sudden or worsening symptoms seek urgent medical care / call 999.
| General Neck Swelling / Globus sensation | First-line: Conventional Thyroid Ultrasound (£219) |
|---|---|
| Known Indeterminate Nodule (TIRADS 3/4) | First-line: Thyroid Ultrasound + SWE (£499) |
| Recent Scan requiring stiffness measure | First-line: Standalone Thyroid SWE (£359) |
Transparent Pricing
Conventional only
Recommended if SWE needed
Recent scan elsewhere
Thyroid SWE pricing
Thyroid ultrasound + SWE
Conventional thyroid ultrasound and shear wave elastography measurement in one appointment.
£499
Standalone thyroid SWE
Elastography measurement only, where you already have a recent conventional thyroid ultrasound.
£359
Lowest entry: Standard Thyroid scan from £219.
Clinical Use
Why thyroid shear wave elastography?
Conventional thyroid ultrasound assesses thyroid size, nodules, composition, echogenicity, margins, calcifications, vascularity and lymph nodes. SWE adds numerical stiffness data in kPa. This may provide extra information in selected thyroid nodules, but TIRADS and conventional ultrasound remain central.
Important clinical limit: SWE does not diagnose thyroid cancer. Higher stiffness may increase concern in some contexts, but no kPa value is diagnostic on its own. If TIRADS and clinical features indicate FNA, SWE should not be used to avoid cytology.
Adjunct to TIRADS
The kPa measurement is interpreted alongside conventional ultrasound features and the TIRADS category, not separately.
Useful in selected nodules
May support risk assessment in indeterminate nodules, multinodular goitre or follow-up scenarios where clinically appropriate.
When to Consider
When thyroid SWE may be considered
Thyroid nodule
Where a known or newly detected nodule needs detailed ultrasound characterisation.
Indeterminate ultrasound features
Where additional stiffness information may support conventional ultrasound interpretation.
Multinodular goitre
May help document stiffness in selected nodules alongside standard ultrasound features.
Previous thyroid scan
Useful when comparing a nodule already identified on earlier imaging.
Thyroid blood-test concerns
Can be interpreted with TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and antibody results where available.
Specialist referral support
Provides additional structured imaging information for GP, endocrinology or thyroid clinic review.
Safety & Limitations
What thyroid SWE can and cannot do
What it can add
Thyroid SWE can add a quantitative stiffness measurement in kPa, which may support ultrasound interpretation when combined with TIRADS, nodule morphology, vascularity, symptoms and thyroid blood tests.
What it cannot do
It cannot diagnose thyroid cancer, exclude cancer with certainty, replace FNA cytology, replace endocrinology review, or replace surgical histology when indicated.
FNA and cytology: where TIRADS and clinical features indicate FNA, the reporting consultant will recommend appropriate onward referral. SWE is not a substitute for cytology.
Patient Walkthrough
What happens in the scan room
1. Arrival & Clinical Chat
Upon arrival, your consultant will have a short clinical chat regarding your history, previous thyroid blood tests, and specific areas of concern.
2. Preparation & Comfort
You will simply need to adjust your collar or remove a necklace to expose your neck. You will lie back slightly, and you always maintain the right to pause or stop the scan at any time.
3. The Ultrasound & SWE
Warm gel is applied to the neck. The consultant will conduct a thorough conventional thyroid ultrasound, then switch the GE LOGIQ E10s to SWE mode to measure tissue stiffness (kPa).
4. Verbal Findings
Once complete, the consultant will wipe away the gel and explain the findings to you verbally in the scan room, providing immediate clarity before your written report arrives.
Pathways
Mild / Benign
Indeterminate
Suspicious
Emergency
If something is found
We believe in transparent safety-netting. Here is what happens depending on your scan findings:
Routine follow-up
Findings typical of benign cysts or normal spongy thyroid tissue (TIRADS 1/2). We provide reassurance, guidance, and recommend routine checks if symptoms change.
Onward review required
If ultrasound and SWE reveal indeterminate features (TIRADS 3/4a), we issue a detailed report and advise sharing this with your GP or endocrinologist for correlation or potential FNA.
Urgent referral
If clear suspicious features are present (TIRADS 5), we formulate an urgent referral letter directly for your GP or a private clinic to ensure rapid specialist assessment.
Immediate action
For active, severe emergencies unrelated to the targeted scan but discovered incidentally, we will direct you to call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
Patient Journey
From booking to written report
Choose & book
Book online, by phone or WhatsApp. No GP referral is required.
Pre-scan conversation
Before the scan begins, a short conversation confirms the scan booked is the right one for your needs. If a different scan would serve you better, the clinician will discuss options.
Visit
Attend our Central London clinic in the Harley Street District medical district.
Your scan
The consultant performs a conventional thyroid ultrasound, followed by a shear wave elastography measurement on the targeted nodule or tissue.
Results in the scan room
Findings are explained verbally at the time, with the written report sent within 24 hours.
Personalised recommendations
Based on findings, the clinician provides clear recommendations for reassurance, rescan timeline, lifestyle guidance, or onward care with your GP or specialist.
Evidence-aware wording
What it helps with
What it cannot replace
Thyroid SWE evidence and clinical limitations
Thyroid SWE can add quantitative stiffness information to conventional thyroid ultrasound, but the result must be interpreted with TIRADS, ultrasound morphology, symptoms, thyroid blood tests and clinical history.
Additional nodule information
Thyroid SWE may support assessment of selected nodules, indeterminate ultrasound findings, multinodular goitre or follow-up comparisons when clinically appropriate.
FNA and specialist pathways
Thyroid SWE does not diagnose thyroid cancer, exclude cancer with certainty, or replace FNA cytology, endocrinology review or surgical histology where indicated.
Safety note: if TIRADS and clinical features indicate FNA or specialist referral, SWE must not be used to delay cytology or appropriate endocrine/thyroid clinic assessment.
GEO / Local SEO
Thyroid SWE in Harley Street District, Marylebone and Central London
This service is currently available at our London clinic only: 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN, in the Harley Street District medical district. It is convenient for patients travelling from Marylebone, Mayfair, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Baker Street, Fitzrovia and across Greater London.
London clinic
27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN
Harley Street District medical district. Close to Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Baker Street stations.
Availability note
Thyroid shear wave elastography is not currently available at the St Albans clinic. Please book the London site for this service.
Clinical Governance
Dr Babak Soleimanpour
Medical Director · GMC 6060555
Mr Pedram Aghaei
Medical Writer · RCT CT04905
Reporting consultant
Scan report sign-off
Clinical review, reporting and governance
Clinical sign-off for website content and governance oversight at London Private Ultrasound.
Medical writing and editorial responsibility. Registered with RCT, BMUS, SOR and SVT.
Your scan is performed and reported by the clinical ultrasound team. The written report is signed off by the reporting consultant.
FAQ
Thyroid shear wave elastography — common questions
What is thyroid shear wave elastography?
It is a quantitative ultrasound technique that measures thyroid tissue or nodule stiffness in kilopascals. The measurement is taken during a conventional thyroid ultrasound and interpreted alongside standard ultrasound findings.
How much does thyroid SWE cost?
A conventional thyroid ultrasound is £219. Thyroid ultrasound plus SWE is £499. Standalone thyroid SWE is £359 if you have already had a recent conventional thyroid ultrasound elsewhere.
Is thyroid SWE a replacement for standard thyroid ultrasound?
No. SWE is an adjunct. The conventional thyroid ultrasound remains central because it assesses nodule features, TIRADS classification, thyroid gland appearance and lymph nodes.
Can thyroid SWE diagnose thyroid cancer?
No. SWE cannot diagnose cancer by itself. It provides supportive stiffness data that must be interpreted with conventional ultrasound, TIRADS and clinical context.
Does thyroid SWE replace FNA?
No. If TIRADS and clinical features indicate FNA, SWE should not be used to delay or avoid cytology or specialist referral.
What does the kPa value mean?
The kPa value reflects tissue stiffness. Higher stiffness may be relevant in some published research, but there is no universal threshold that confirms or excludes malignancy.
What machine do you use?
LPU uses the GE LOGIQ E10s, GE HealthCare’s premium clinical ultrasound system with hardware-integrated shear wave imaging.
Do I need a GP referral?
No GP referral is required. You can book directly online, by phone or via WhatsApp.
Do I need thyroid blood tests before SWE?
No blood test is required before the scan, but recent TSH, Free T4, Free T3 or thyroid antibody results can help clinical interpretation.
Where is the service available?
Thyroid SWE is available at 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN. It is not currently available at St Albans.
How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take around 20–30 minutes, including conventional thyroid ultrasound and the SWE measurement.
When will I receive my report?
The consultant explains findings verbally in the scan room and the written report is usually sent within 24 hours.
Book Thyroid SWE
Book private thyroid shear wave elastography in London
Book directly at London Private Ultrasound, 27 Welbeck Street, W1G 8EN. No GP referral required.
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Reviewed: 08/06/2026 by Mr Pedram Aghaei (Consultant Vascular Scientist RCT CT04905) & Dr Babak Soleimanpour (Medical Director GMC 6060555).
Next review due: 08/12/2026.
Next review due: 08/12/2026.