How do I know I need an abdominal ultrasound?
If you have persistent tummy pain, bloating, abnormal liver or kidney blood tests, suspected gallstones or kidney stones, or you simply want your abdominal organs checked, an abdominal ultrasound is the standard first test: safe, painless and comprehensive. If you are unsure, call us and a clinician will happily advise before you book.
What does an abdominal ultrasound show?
An abdominal ultrasound examines the major solid organs of the abdomen in one sitting:
- Liver: size, texture, fatty change and any lumps
- Gallbladder and bile ducts: stones, polyps and wall thickening
- Pancreas and spleen: size and visible abnormalities
- Both kidneys: stones, cysts and any blockage
- The abdominal aorta: checked for widening
The bladder can also be seen if it is full. Your specialist explains every finding before you leave.
Can an abdominal ultrasound detect cancer?
It can show lumps and masses in the solid organs, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen, and tell whether they are solid or fluid-filled, which is often the most important first question. Most findings are benign: cysts, fatty patches and haemangiomas are very common.
Ultrasound cannot confirm cancer on its own, and it does not reliably show the stomach or bowel. If anything needs further characterising, your specialist will recommend the right next test, such as CT, MRI or a referral, and explain why.
Does an abdominal ultrasound show the stomach and bowel?
Not reliably. Air in the stomach and bowel scatters ultrasound, so these hollow organs are only partly seen. An abdominal ultrasound cannot diagnose stomach ulcers, reflux or bowel cancer: those need an endoscopy, colonoscopy or CT. If your symptoms point there, your specialist will tell you honestly and suggest the right test instead.
Can an abdominal ultrasound detect gallstones and fatty liver?
Yes: these are two of the things it shows best. Gallstones are seen directly, along with the gallbladder wall and bile ducts, and fatty liver shows as a characteristic bright texture. Your specialist can also look for signs of liver scarring and measure the liver, so you leave with a clear picture.
Can an abdominal ultrasound detect kidney stones?
It shows most kidney stones within the kidneys, and any swelling of the kidney (hydronephrosis) caused by a stone blocking the flow of urine. Very small stones in the ureters, the tubes between kidneys and bladder, can be hidden; if your symptoms suggest one, your specialist may recommend a low-dose CT scan.
Can an abdominal ultrasound detect a hernia?
An abdominal ultrasound focuses on the organs inside the abdomen, so it is not the right test for a hernia. A dedicated hernia ultrasound examines the abdominal wall and groin while you stand, cough and strain, which is how hernias are found. If a lump in the groin or near the belly button is your concern, book a hernia ultrasound instead.
Do I need to fast for an abdominal ultrasound?
Yes, ideally: please avoid food for four hours beforehand. Fasting keeps the gallbladder full and visible and reduces bowel gas. You can drink water and take your usual medication. If you cannot fast, for example because of diabetes, come anyway and tell us when you book: we still get good views of most organs.
Do I need a full bladder for an abdominal ultrasound?
No. A full bladder is only needed when the pelvis is being scanned. For an abdominal ultrasound you can drink water as normal, and you are welcome to use the bathroom before your scan.
Does an abdominal ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with a little warm gel. If you have a tender area the specialist will press carefully, and it can feel firm for a moment, but it is not painful. There are no needles, no radiation and no downtime.
How long does an abdominal ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes. That includes a short chat about your symptoms, a systematic examination of each organ, and time for the specialist to explain the findings on screen while you watch. You are usually in and out of the clinic within half an hour.
Do I have to undress for an abdominal ultrasound?
No. You simply lift your top and loosen your waistband slightly, which is why a two-piece outfit is easiest. Paper towels protect your clothes from the gel, and you can bring a friend or ask for a chaperone if you would like one.
When should abdominal pain be checked urgently?
Most abdominal pain is not an emergency, and a scan is a sensible way to find the cause. But go to A&E or call 999 if you have:
- Sudden, severe pain, or pain that is getting rapidly worse
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
- A rigid, very tender tummy, or pain with a high fever
- Pain with fainting or difficulty breathing
Do not book a scan for these: they need urgent care.
How much does an abdominal ultrasound cost in the UK?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private abdominal ultrasound costs £290, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. There are no hidden extras, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an abdominal ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for an abdominal ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private abdominal ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £290, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street abdominal ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
