What is a liver and gallbladder ultrasound?
A liver and gallbladder ultrasound is a scan of the upper right side of the tummy that examines the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. It is the standard first test for abnormal liver blood tests, suspected gallstones, fatty liver and pain under the right ribs.
What can a liver ultrasound show?
A liver and gallbladder scan can show:
- Fatty liver and changes in liver texture
- Signs of scarring (cirrhosis)
- Liver cysts, haemangiomas and other lesions
- Gallstones, gallbladder polyps and inflammation
- Widened bile ducts, which can point to a blockage
Do I have gallstones?
Gallstones often cause no symptoms. When they do, typical symptoms are pain under the right ribs or in the upper middle tummy, often after fatty meals, lasting from minutes to hours, sometimes with nausea. Ultrasound is the best test to confirm gallstones.
What does a gallbladder attack feel like?
A gallbladder attack (biliary colic) is a severe, steady pain under the right ribs or in the upper tummy, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder, often an hour or two after eating and lasting from half an hour to several hours.
When should I go to A&E with liver or gallbladder symptoms?
Go to A&E if you have severe upper tummy pain that does not settle, pain with a high temperature and shivering, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) with pain or fever. These can be signs of an infected gallbladder, a blocked bile duct or pancreatitis.
Can an ultrasound detect fatty liver?
Yes. Fatty liver shows as a brighter liver texture on ultrasound. It is very common and often linked to weight, diabetes and alcohol. Ultrasound shows whether fat is present; blood tests and specialised scans help assess any scarring.
Can fatty liver be reversed?
Yes, often. Fatty liver can improve and even resolve with gradual weight loss, more activity, less alcohol and better control of diabetes and cholesterol. Losing around one tenth of body weight makes a real difference for many people. A repeat scan can show the improvement.
Can a liver ultrasound detect cirrhosis or liver cancer?
Ultrasound can show signs of advanced scarring (cirrhosis), such as a nodular liver surface, and can show lumps in the liver, most of which are benign. Early scarring is not always visible, and lumps often need a CT or MRI to characterise them. Your specialist will recommend the right next test.
What are gallbladder polyps?
Gallbladder polyps are small growths on the gallbladder wall, usually harmless. Polyps under 6mm are usually left alone, those around 6 to 9mm are monitored with repeat scans, and polyps of 10mm or more, or growing ones, are usually referred to a surgeon.
Do I need a liver ultrasound if I am taking Mounjaro or Ozempic?
Not routinely. Rapid weight loss, including on weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro or Ozempic, increases the risk of gallstones. If you develop pain under your right ribs or upper tummy while taking them, an ultrasound is the right test to check your gallbladder.
Can I eat before my liver ultrasound?
Please fast for four hours before the scan so the gallbladder is full and visible. You can drink water and take your usual medication.
How often should I have liver screening?
There is no routine liver screening for everyone. People with fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C, or a family history of liver disease may need regular scans; your specialist or GP will advise an interval suited to your situation.
Does a liver ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel. If your gallbladder is tender the specialist presses carefully.
How long does a liver ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including a short conversation and time to explain the findings.
How much does a liver ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private liver and gallbladder ultrasound costs £260, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. 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 a liver 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 a liver 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 liver ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, 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 liver 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.
