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Patient guide · Ultrasound

Private ultrasound, London.

Same-day or next-day ultrasound across abdomen, pelvis, MSK, vascular, breast, thyroid and obstetric scanning. Consultant radiologist or accredited sonographer, written report within 24 to 48 hours.

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A consultant radiologist performing a private ultrasound scan in a London imaging clinic

Why private ultrasound

  • 01

    No GP referral needed for most scans

    You can self-refer to a private ultrasound clinic. A referral is only required for a small number of specialist studies.

  • 02

    Same-day or next-day appointments

    Most London imaging centres hold daily walk-in and same-week slots, with the report issued within 24 to 48 hours.

  • 03

    Consultant radiologist or accredited sonographer

    The clinician who scans you writes the report. Specialist areas include MSK ultrasound with real-time joint imaging, breast ultrasound with FNA capability, and vascular Doppler.

Ultrasound types

The scans we arrange most often.

From a single-area diagnostic scan to a full multi-region assessment, all reported by a consultant radiologist or accredited sonographer.

  • Abdominal

    Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and abdominal aorta.

  • Pelvic

    Bladder, uterus and ovaries via a full-bladder transabdominal scan.

  • Transvaginal

    Detailed gynae imaging of the uterus, endometrium and ovaries.

  • Testicular

    Scrotal contents, epididymis and testicular blood flow.

  • Thyroid + parathyroid

    Nodule characterisation with TIRADS grading and neck node review.

  • Breast

    Lump assessment, cyst aspiration and image-guided fine-needle aspiration.

  • MSK

    Shoulder, knee, hip, wrist and elbow tendons, bursae and joints.

  • Vascular Doppler

    Carotid, DVT, arterial disease and venous insufficiency mapping.

  • Obstetric

    Early pregnancy viability, dating and reassurance scans.

  • Small parts

    Lymph nodes, salivary glands and superficial soft-tissue lumps.

Advantages

Why ultrasound is often the first-line answer.

Ultrasound gives real-time imaging of soft tissue and blood flow without radiation, and is often enough to close the loop on a symptom.

  • No ionising radiation

    Sound waves only, so ultrasound can be repeated as often as clinically needed.

  • Safe in pregnancy

    The standard imaging test throughout pregnancy at any gestation.

  • Real-time dynamic imaging

    Tendons, joints and blood flow are examined while you move.

  • Quick appointment

    Most scans book within days and take 15 to 40 minutes.

  • Guides needles for injection or biopsy

    Steroid injections, cyst aspiration and image-guided biopsy in one visit.

  • Cheaper than MRI or CT

    A useful first-line answer for many soft-tissue and organ questions.

Preparation

What to do before your scan.

Preparation depends on the area being scanned. Wear comfortable, loose clothing for easy access to the region of interest.

  1. 01

    Abdominal

    Fast for 6 hours. Water is allowed to keep the gallbladder distended.

  2. 02

    Pelvic transabdominal

    Drink 1L of water an hour before and do not empty your bladder.

  3. 03

    Transvaginal

    Empty your bladder just before the scan for the clearest views.

  4. 04

    Testicular, thyroid, breast, MSK

    No preparation. Wear comfortable, loose clothing for easy access.

Specific uses

When ultrasound is the right test.

The common questions ultrasound answers well, whether diagnostic or interventional.

  • Early pregnancy dating and viability

  • Pelvic pain workup in women

  • Gallstones and gallbladder polyps

  • Kidney stones and hydronephrosis

  • Thyroid nodule characterisation (TIRADS)

  • Breast lump assessment and FNA

  • DVT rule-out in a swollen leg

  • Joint injection guidance

  • Pacemaker pocket or vascular access check

Cost bands

Private ultrasound cost in London.

Guide prices for self-pay scans in London. Insurance covers most diagnostic ultrasound with a specialist referral.

  • Abdominal

    £180 to £320

  • Pelvic (transabdominal)

    £180 to £320

  • Transvaginal

    £220 to £380

  • Testicular

    £220 to £320

  • Thyroid + parathyroid

    £220 to £380

  • Breast

    £220 to £380

  • MSK (single joint)

    £220 to £380

  • Vascular Doppler

    £280 to £450

  • Obstetric

    £180 to £380

  • Combined multi-area

    £380 to £650

Where in London

Trusted London ultrasound centres.

We route you to the clinic best suited to the question being asked, based on availability, sub-specialty and cost.

  • HCA Wellington Radiology

    St John’s Wood

    Full sub-specialist radiology across all body areas.

  • London Bridge Hospital Ultrasound

    London Bridge

    Same-day slots and interventional ultrasound.

  • Cromwell Hospital (BUPA)

    South Kensington

    Consultant-led general and specialist scanning.

  • OneWelbeck Imaging

    Marylebone

    Rapid turnaround with clinic and same-visit reporting.

  • London Medical

    Marylebone

    Thyroid, endocrine and small-parts ultrasound.

  • InHealth Group

    Multi-site London

    High-volume general ultrasound at accessible prices.

  • Fortius Clinic

    Marylebone / City

    MSK ultrasound and image-guided joint injection.

  • London Vascular Clinic

    Harley Street

    Carotid, arterial and venous Doppler by vascular consultants.

  • London Women’s Clinic

    Harley Street

    Gynaecology and transvaginal ultrasound.

Your report

Same-day or 24 to 48 hour written report, direct to you.

Findings are usually discussed at the end of your scan. A formal written report from the reporting radiologist or sonographer is sent to you and, with your consent, to your GP or specialist within 24 to 48 hours. Images are made available on secure PACS for onward review or a second opinion.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about private ultrasound.

Quick answers on radiation, pregnancy safety, insurance, transvaginal scans, reporting and preparation.

  • Does an ultrasound involve radiation?

    No. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, not ionising radiation. It can be repeated as often as clinically needed and is safe at any age.

  • Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?

    Yes. It is the standard imaging test throughout pregnancy at any gestation and is safe for both mother and baby.

  • Will my private medical insurance cover it?

    Most UK insurers cover diagnostic ultrasound when there is a clinical indication and a specialist referral. Purely reassurance obstetric scans are usually self-pay.

  • Do I need a partner or chaperone for a transvaginal scan?

    No partner is required. A trained chaperone is always offered and present if you wish, and the probe is single-use covered and gently inserted.

  • When do I get my results?

    Findings are often discussed at the end of your appointment. A formal written report is issued the same day or within 24 to 48 hours and sent to you and your referrer.

  • Do I need to fast before an ultrasound?

    Only for abdominal scans (6 hours). Pelvic transabdominal scans need a full bladder. Transvaginal, testicular, thyroid, breast and MSK scans need no preparation.

Sources

Clinical references.

Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board · Published 2026-09-05 · Next review 2027-09-05 · 6-minute read.

Related tests

Related imaging.

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Private ultrasound in London, arranged for you.

Tell us the area and the question you need answered. We match you with a consultant radiologist or accredited sonographer, confirm availability and price, and send the report direct to you.

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