Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan in London
A focused, painless and radiation-free ultrasound scan of your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta, performed by an experienced sonographer.
Available from £219, with no GP referral required, same-day or next-day appointments where available, immediate verbal feedback and a written report usually within 24 hours.
Quick Answer
An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, painless and radiation-free scan that checks the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta. It can help assess gallstones, fatty liver, kidney stones, cysts, organ enlargement, abdominal aortic aneurysm and signs of inflammation or obstruction.
At London Private Ultrasound, the abdominal ultrasound scan costs £219 and includes your ultrasound, consultation with the sonographer, immediate verbal feedback and a written report usually within 24 hours. For the clearest images, you should usually fast for 4–6 hours before the scan.
What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of the organs in your upper abdomen. It does not use radiation and is non-invasive.
During the scan, a small handheld probe is moved gently over the skin of your abdomen using ultrasound gel. The images allow the sonographer to assess the size, shape and texture of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta.
This scan is commonly used to investigate abdominal pain, bloating, abnormal liver or kidney blood tests, suspected gallstones, jaundice, urinary symptoms, fatty liver, kidney stones or general abdominal health concerns.
What Is Included in the £219 Abdominal Scan?
- Abdominal ultrasound scan
- Assessment of the liver and liver texture
- Assessment of the gallbladder and bile ducts
- Assessment of the visible pancreas
- Assessment of both kidneys
- Assessment of the spleen
- Assessment of the abdominal aorta
- Consultation with your sonographer
- Immediate verbal explanation of findings
- Written report usually within 24 hours
- Guidance on next steps or referral if needed
Private Abdominal Ultrasound
All-inclusive price for the scan, consultation and written report.
Book This ScanWhat Does the Scan Examine?
A private abdominal ultrasound gives a detailed assessment of the major upper abdominal organs and helps identify many common structural causes of abdominal symptoms.
Liver
Size, texture, fatty liver change, cysts, lesions and signs of chronic liver disease.
Gallbladder & Bile Ducts
Gallstones, sludge, wall thickening, inflammation and bile duct dilatation.
Pancreas
The visible pancreas is assessed for inflammation, cysts, masses or duct changes where bowel gas allows.
Kidneys
Kidney stones, cysts, swelling from obstruction, masses and structural abnormalities.
Spleen
Spleen size, enlargement and visible structural changes.
Abdominal Aorta
Screening for widening or aneurysm of the main artery in the abdomen.
What Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Help Detect?
- Gallstones and gallbladder sludge
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Bile duct dilatation or possible obstruction
- Fatty liver change
- Liver cysts or visible liver lesions
- Spleen enlargement
- Kidney stones
- Kidney cysts or swelling
- Hydronephrosis or urinary obstruction
- Visible pancreatic abnormalities
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Free fluid in the abdomen
When Should You Book an Abdominal Ultrasound?
You may benefit from a private abdominal ultrasound if you have symptoms, abnormal blood tests or a known abdominal finding that needs assessment or monitoring.
- Right upper abdominal pain
- General abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or abdominal fullness
- Nausea or vomiting without a clear cause
- Indigestion-like symptoms after fatty meals
- Yellow eyes or jaundice symptoms
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Abnormal kidney function tests
- Blood in the urine
- Flank pain or suspected kidney stones
- Unexplained weight loss requiring investigation
Abdominal Ultrasound and Blood Tests: What Is the Difference?
Blood tests and abdominal ultrasound answer different questions. Blood tests assess organ function, inflammation, infection and biochemical markers. Ultrasound assesses organ structure, size, texture and visible abnormalities.
Blood Tests
Assess liver enzymes, kidney function, inflammation, bilirubin, pancreatic enzymes and other markers.
Ultrasound
Assesses the structure of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and aorta.
Combined Assessment
For many patients, combining blood tests and ultrasound gives a clearer picture of abdominal health.
For example, abnormal liver blood tests may be caused by fatty liver, bile duct obstruction, gallstones, alcohol-related liver disease, medication effects or inflammatory conditions. Ultrasound helps identify structural causes and guides the next step.
How the Appointment Works
- Before your appointment: Fast for 4–6 hours unless told otherwise. Small sips of water and essential medication are usually fine.
- Arrival and check-in: Our team confirms your details and makes you comfortable.
- Clinical history: Your sonographer asks about symptoms, previous scans, blood tests and any relevant abdominal history.
- Positioning: You lie comfortably on your back with your abdomen exposed.
- The ultrasound scan: Gel is applied and the probe is moved gently over your abdomen. You may be asked to hold your breath or turn slightly.
- Immediate explanation: Your sonographer explains the main findings after the scan.
- Written report: A detailed report with key images is usually sent within 24 hours.
How to Prepare for Your Abdominal Ultrasound
- Fast for 4–6 hours before the scan
- Avoid food, tea and coffee during the fasting period
- Small sips of water are usually fine
- Take essential medication unless advised otherwise
- Wear loose clothing with easy abdominal access
- Bring previous scan reports or blood test results if available
If you have diabetes, are pregnant, have a medical reason why fasting is difficult, or are unsure whether you should fast, please contact the clinic before your appointment.
Private vs NHS Abdominal Ultrasound
NHS abdominal ultrasound is available through referral pathways and provides excellent care. Private ultrasound is useful when you want faster access, a direct appointment, weekend availability or a quick report.
| Feature | Private at London Private Ultrasound | NHS |
|---|---|---|
| Referral | No GP referral required | Usually requires GP or specialist referral |
| Appointment speed | Same-day or next-day availability where possible | Depends on local waiting times |
| Report | Usually within 24 hours | Varies by service |
| Cost | £219 | Free at point of use |
Related Abdominal and Organ Health Services
Locations
London W1G 8EN
Harley Street Medical District
020 7101 3377
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an abdominal ultrasound cost?
The scan costs £219. This includes the ultrasound scan, consultation with your sonographer, written report within 24 hours and guidance on next steps.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly. GP referrals are welcome but not required.
What organs are checked during an abdominal ultrasound?
The scan usually assesses the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, visible pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta.
Do I need to fast before the scan?
Yes, fasting for 4–6 hours is usually recommended. This improves the view of the gallbladder and reduces bowel gas, which can obscure abdominal organs.
Can I drink water before the scan?
Small sips of water are usually fine. Please avoid food, tea and coffee during the fasting period unless you have been advised otherwise.
Is the scan painful?
No. The scan is painless and non-invasive. You may feel gentle pressure from the probe and cool gel on the skin.
Does ultrasound use radiation?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionising radiation.
Can ultrasound detect gallstones?
Yes. Ultrasound is commonly used as a first-line test for suspected gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
Can ultrasound detect fatty liver?
Ultrasound can show features that suggest fatty liver, although blood tests and sometimes elastography may be needed for a fuller liver assessment.
Can a normal ultrasound rule out all abdominal disease?
No. A normal scan can be reassuring, but some conditions may require blood tests, CT, MRI, endoscopy or specialist review.
When will I get my results?
Your sonographer will explain the main findings after the scan. A written report with key images is usually sent within 24 hours.
Can I combine the scan with blood tests?
Yes. Liver, kidney, pancreatic and general health blood tests can be arranged alongside ultrasound where clinically appropriate.
Book a Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan in London
Get fast, clear answers about abdominal pain, gallstones, fatty liver, kidney stones, abnormal blood tests or organ health concerns. Book directly without a GP referral.