Uterus and cavity
Assessment of uterine size and appearance, the endometrial cavity, womb lining and any focal material or collection that is visible.
Private women’s health ultrasound · London & St Albans
Retained Products of Conception Ultrasound Scan
A sensitive pelvic ultrasound assessment when retained pregnancy or placental tissue is suspected after miscarriage, pregnancy treatment or childbirth. Your uterus and womb lining are assessed with colour Doppler where clinically useful, with findings explained clearly and a written report provided.
- £219 all-inclusive
- Female sonographer on request
- Transvaginal scan only with consent
- Colour Doppler where appropriate
- No routine GP referral required
- Written report within 24 hours
£219All-inclusive
4.8/5Patient rating
1,200+Verified reviews
7 daysOpen weekly
24 hoursWritten report
Since 2012Established clinic
Heavy bleeding or severe symptoms need urgent care
Do not wait for a routine private scan if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting or collapse, difficulty breathing, a high fever, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, or feel acutely unwell. Contact your NHS maternity service or Early Pregnancy Unit, call NHS 111, attend A&E, or call 999 when appropriate.
At a glance
Private RPOC Ultrasound Scan in London
Retained products of conception (RPOC) means pregnancy-related tissue remains inside the uterus after a pregnancy ends. This can happen after miscarriage, abortion or childbirth. Symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm RPOC, so ultrasound is commonly used alongside your history, examination and, where needed, blood tests.
Price£219 all-inclusive
Scan approachExternal and/or internal, with consent
AssessmentUterus, cavity, lining and blood flow
ResultsExplanation plus written report
Understanding the condition
What Are Retained Products of Conception?
RPOC is a broad term for tissue related to a recent pregnancy that remains within the uterine cavity. It is not exactly the same as a retained placenta: the placenta is one possible type of retained tissue, while RPOC can refer to a wider range of pregnancy-related tissue.
Some bleeding and discharge can be expected after a pregnancy ends, but persistent, heavy or irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, fever or signs of infection should be medically assessed. Ultrasound may help clarify whether the uterine cavity looks empty, contains blood clot or fluid, or has tissue that may require clinical follow-up.
- After miscarriage or pregnancy loss
- After medical or surgical management of a pregnancy
- After vaginal or caesarean birth
- When bleeding, pain or recovery is not progressing as expected
- When a clinician has advised a follow-up pelvic scan
Focused assessment
What Is Included in the £219 Scan?
A focused pelvic assessment designed to document the uterus and uterine cavity clearly, while protecting your comfort, privacy and right to choose the scan approach.
Colour Doppler
Blood-flow assessment where clinically useful. Vascularity can add information when possible retained tissue is being distinguished from non-vascular blood clot.
Pelvic structures
Review of the cervix, ovaries, adnexal regions and surrounding pelvis where relevant to your symptoms and recent pregnancy history.
Choice of approach
Transabdominal imaging is available. A transvaginal scan may provide greater detail and is performed only after explanation and explicit consent.
Clear explanation
Your specialist explains what was and was not seen within the scope of ultrasound practice, including whether clinical follow-up is advised.
Written report
A diagnostic report with relevant measurements is provided within 24 hours and can be shared with your GP, maternity team or gynaecologist.
Imaging explained
How Ultrasound Helps Assess Possible RPOC
Transvaginal ultrasound can provide a close view of the uterine cavity and womb lining. Colour Doppler adds information about blood flow. Neither feature should be interpreted in isolation.
| Area or feature | What may be assessed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Endometrial cavity | Whether the cavity appears empty or contains focal tissue, fluid, clot-like material or a mixed-appearance area. | Helps document whether further medical review may be appropriate. |
| Womb lining | Endometrial thickness, regularity and the relationship of any finding to the uterine wall. | A thick or irregular lining can be relevant, but is not diagnostic by itself. |
| Colour Doppler | Whether a suspected area has internal or surrounding blood flow. | Vascularity can support concern for attached pregnancy-related tissue; absence of flow does not always exclude it. |
| Uterus and cervix | Uterine size, cavity appearance, cervix and any visible collection or structural finding. | Provides context after pregnancy loss, treatment or delivery. |
| Ovaries and adnexa | Relevant ovarian or surrounding pelvic findings where clinically indicated. | Helps identify another structural explanation for pain or symptoms. |
Important: ultrasound findings can overlap with normal post-pregnancy changes, blood clot and infection. Your treating clinician may also consider symptoms, examination, pregnancy timing and serial hCG blood tests before confirming the diagnosis or advising treatment.
Your consent, your choice
Transabdominal or Transvaginal Ultrasound?
The most useful scan route depends on your recent pregnancy, symptoms, anatomy and the clinical question. The internal scan often gives the clearest view of the womb lining, but it is never automatic.
| Feature | Transabdominal scan | Transvaginal scan |
|---|---|---|
| How it is performed | A probe is moved over the lower abdomen using warm gel. | A slim, covered probe is placed gently into the vagina after consent. |
| Preparation | A comfortably full bladder is usually helpful. | You empty your bladder before the scan. |
| View obtained | A wider overview of the uterus and pelvis. | A closer, more detailed view of the uterine cavity and lining. |
| Consent | Explained before the scan begins. | Explicit consent is required; you can decline, pause or stop at any time. |
| Price | Included in the £219 fee. | Included when clinically appropriate, with no additional scan charge. |
A calm, private appointment
What Happens During Your RPOC Ultrasound Scan?
Please bring any previous ultrasound reports, discharge letters, treatment details and recent blood-test results. These can make the new scan more useful for comparison.
Before you attend
Follow the preparation advice given at booking. Tell us about heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain or any recent procedure.
Clinical history
Your specialist asks about the pregnancy timeline, symptoms, management received and any previous imaging or hCG results.
The ultrasound
The external and/or internal approach is explained. Colour Doppler may be added when it helps answer the clinical question.
Report and next steps
Findings are explained clearly, and your written report supports onward review with your GP, Early Pregnancy Unit or gynaecology team.
Clear expectations
What This Scan Can — and Cannot — Do
Ultrasound can help
- Assess the uterus, cavity and womb lining
- Document tissue-like material or collections
- Assess blood flow with colour Doppler
- Provide measurements for comparison and follow-up
- Support decisions by your treating clinical team
Ultrasound cannot always
- Confirm RPOC from one feature alone
- Reliably separate every blood clot from retained tissue
- Diagnose or exclude infection by imaging alone
- Replace examination, hCG testing or hospital review
- Provide emergency treatment or remove retained tissue
Secure online booking
Book Your RPOC Ultrasound Scan
Choose your clinic, date and appointment time using the secure LondonSono booking page. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
- Central London and St Albans
- Open seven days a week
- Female sonographer available on request
- Diagnostic report included
Find us
Private RPOC Ultrasound Near You
Appointments are available through our Central London and St Albans clinics, subject to the service rota.
Harley Street Medical District
27 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8EN
St Albans Clinic
54–56 Victoria Street
St Albans AL1 3HZ
Accredited · Regulated · Trusted
Clinical Governance and Professional Registers
Professional bodies and regulators relevant to clinical governance, standards and registration.
The Royal College of Radiologists
General Medical Council
Care Quality Commission
Health and Care Professions Council
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Who you will see
Women’s Health Ultrasound Team
Experienced clinicians support sensitive pelvic and post-pregnancy imaging, with a female sonographer available on request.
Mrs Hosna Rashidi
Consultant SonographerFemale clinician supporting pelvic, gynaecological, pregnancy and postnatal ultrasound services.
Ashleigh Austin
Advanced Practitioner SonographerWomen’s health and pregnancy ultrasound with a calm, patient-centred scanning approach.
Mr Pedram Aghaei
Co-Founder & Medical WriterMedical writing and patient-information editorial support for London Private Ultrasound.
Common questions
RPOC Ultrasound Scan FAQs
What are retained products of conception?
RPOC means pregnancy-related tissue remains within the uterus after miscarriage, abortion, treatment of a pregnancy or childbirth. Placental tissue can be one type of retained tissue, but RPOC is the broader term.
What symptoms can occur with RPOC?
Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding is a common symptom. Pelvic pain, fever, uterine tenderness, infection or a menstrual period that does not return when expected can also occur. These symptoms have other possible causes, so clinical assessment is important.
Can ultrasound confirm retained products of conception?
Ultrasound can identify features that raise or lower suspicion, such as tissue-like material in the uterine cavity, womb-lining changes and blood flow on colour Doppler. No single ultrasound feature confirms every case, so the findings are interpreted with symptoms, pregnancy history and any blood tests.
Why is colour Doppler used?
Colour Doppler shows blood flow. Blood supply within a suspicious area can support concern that tissue remains attached to the uterine wall. However, absent blood flow does not always exclude RPOC.
Is the RPOC scan internal?
A transabdominal scan may be performed, but a transvaginal scan often gives the clearest view of the uterine cavity and womb lining. It is explained first, requires your consent and can be declined or stopped at any time.
How should I prepare?
A comfortably full bladder may be requested for the external scan. You empty your bladder before a transvaginal scan. Follow the instructions provided when booking and bring previous reports, discharge letters and recent hCG results if available.
Can I request a female sonographer?
Yes. Please request a female sonographer when booking. The team will do its best to accommodate your preference, subject to clinic and rota availability.
How much does the RPOC ultrasound scan cost?
The Retained Products of Conception Ultrasound Scan costs £219. The ultrasound assessment, explanation within scope and written diagnostic report are included.
Do I need a GP referral?
A routine GP referral is not required for private booking. If you are already under an Early Pregnancy Unit, maternity service or gynaecologist, continue their recommended follow-up and take your ultrasound report back to them.
When will I receive the results?
The sonographer explains the findings within the scope of ultrasound practice. A written digital report is normally provided within 24 hours for your records and onward care.
Does London Private Ultrasound treat or remove RPOC?
This service provides diagnostic imaging and a report; it does not remove retained tissue. Treatment options can include monitored waiting, medication or a procedure, depending on your individual clinical circumstances. Your treating clinician or hospital team will advise you.
Can RPOC pass naturally?
Sometimes retained tissue passes without a procedure, but this is not suitable for everyone. The safest approach depends on bleeding, infection risk, scan findings, pregnancy timing and your overall condition. Please follow advice from your treating clinician.
When should I seek urgent care rather than book a scan?
Seek urgent NHS assessment for heavy bleeding, fainting or collapse, difficulty breathing, high fever, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, or if you feel acutely unwell. A routine private ultrasound must not delay emergency or maternity care.
Related services
Other Women’s Health and Pregnancy Scans
The right service depends on whether your concern follows childbirth, pregnancy loss, current early pregnancy symptoms or a broader pelvic-health question.
Postpartum Ultrasound Scan
Pelvic recovery assessment after childbirth, including the uterine cavity, possible retained placental tissue, clots or collections.
Private Pelvic Ultrasound
A broader assessment of the uterus, womb lining, ovaries and bladder for pain, bleeding, cysts, fibroids or reassurance.
Endometrial Lining Scan
A focused ultrasound assessment of womb-lining thickness and appearance for abnormal bleeding or follow-up.
Early Pregnancy Scan
Pregnancy location, early viability and dating from 6 to 11 weeks, with a same-day or 24-hour written report.
Ectopic Pregnancy Scan
A specialist early assessment when pregnancy location is the concern. Urgent symptoms still require NHS emergency or Early Pregnancy Unit care.
Gynaecological Health Clinic
Broader women’s health pathways where imaging may need to sit alongside clinical review, blood tests or specialist follow-up.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general patient information and does not replace personalised medical advice, examination, NHS maternity care, Early Pregnancy Unit assessment or emergency treatment. Ultrasound can support assessment of suspected retained products of conception but does not always provide a definitive diagnosis by itself.
Clinical information informed by the Cleveland Clinic guide to retained products of conception and adapted for the London Private Ultrasound diagnostic imaging pathway.