Why do I need to fast before an abdominal scan?

Fasting ensures the gallbladder is fully distended with bile, making it much easier to visualise and detect gallstones. It also reduces bowel gas, which can obscure views of the pancreas and other structures.

Can I drink water before the scan?

Yes, you may drink plain water before the scan. Avoid fizzy drinks, juice, tea, and coffee as these can stimulate the gallbladder to contract.

No. Abdominal ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive procedure. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, but it should not be painful.

What if something is found?

If an abnormality is identified, your sonographer will explain it clearly and the written report will recommend appropriate next steps. Our reports are accepted by all NHS and private hospitals.

Does the scan include the kidneys?

Yes. A standard abdominal scan includes assessment of both kidneys. If you specifically want a urinary tract scan including the bladder, please book the Abdominal and Urinary Tract Scan.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Men's Health

Abdominal Ultrasound Scan

A comprehensive assessment of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and aorta to investigate abdominal symptoms and screen for common conditions.

30–45 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedDiagnostic Imaging Expert

£235

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4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

When Your Abdomen Is Telling You Something

Persistent abdominal discomfort, bloating, or unexplained pain can be deeply unsettling. An abdominal ultrasound scan provides a clear, non-invasive view of your key abdominal organs, helping to identify the cause of your symptoms quickly and accurately. Our specialist sonographers examine the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and aorta in a single appointment, giving you and your doctor a comprehensive picture of your abdominal health. At our Marylebone clinic on Weymouth Street, same-day appointments are available and no GP referral is needed.

Clinical Overview

What is an Abdominal Ultrasound Scan?

An abdominal ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the organs and structures within the abdomen. It is the first-line investigation recommended by NICE for a wide range of abdominal symptoms including right upper quadrant pain, suspected gallstones, liver disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. The scan is painless, uses no radiation, and provides immediate results.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Those experiencing persistent abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort

Patients with suspected gallstones or biliary colic

Those with abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease

Men over 65 years old for aortic aneurysm screening

Patients with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Anyone seeking a comprehensive abdominal health check

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Gallstones and Biliary Disease

Gallstones, gallbladder polyps, and bile duct dilatation are clearly identified. Gallstones affect approximately 10–15% of adults in the UK.

Liver Conditions

Fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cysts, haemangiomas, and focal lesions are assessed. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects around 25% of the UK population.

Kidney Abnormalities

Kidney stones, cysts, hydronephrosis, and structural abnormalities are identified in both kidneys.

Pancreatic Assessment

The pancreas is evaluated for cysts, masses, and duct dilatation, though visualisation may be limited by bowel gas.

Aortic Aneurysm

The abdominal aorta is measured to screen for aortic aneurysm, which affects approximately 1.3% of men aged 65 and over in the UK.

Splenic Assessment

Spleen size and echotexture are evaluated, with splenomegaly identified and characterised.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Fasting preparation

You will have fasted for 4–6 hours before the scan to ensure the gallbladder is distended and bowel gas is minimised.

Positioning and gel application

You lie on the examination couch. Warm gel is applied to your abdomen and the sonographer begins the systematic examination.

Organ-by-organ assessment

Each organ is examined systematically — liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and aorta.

Doppler assessment

Doppler imaging assesses blood flow in the portal vein, hepatic veins, and renal arteries where indicated.

Report and images

A written report with representative images is provided before you leave, with all findings explained clearly.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Fast for 4–6 hours before your appointment (water is permitted)
2
Avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum on the day of your scan
3
Take your regular medications as normal unless advised otherwise
4
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen
5
Allow 45–60 minutes for your appointment including the consultation

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Abdominal Ultrasound Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during the scan and provide a written report before you leave. Normal findings provide significant reassurance. Any abnormalities identified will be clearly described with recommended next steps, which may include follow-up imaging, blood tests, or referral to a specialist. Our reports are accepted by all major NHS and private hospitals.

Why Private?