🩻 Ultrasound Scan

A safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body.

🔍 What is it?

An ultrasound scan (also called a sonogram) uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted through a handheld probe (transducer) placed on the skin. These sound waves bounce off internal structures, and the echoes are used to produce live images on a monitor.

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds do not use radiation, making them ideal for pregnancy and soft tissue imaging.

🧪 What does it show?

• Pregnancy and foetal development
• Organs: liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas
• Blood vessels and blood flow (Doppler ultrasound)
• Reproductive organs (e.g., ovaries, uterus, testes)
• Muscles, tendons, and joints
• Fluid collections, cysts, or abscesses

🎯 It’s excellent for real-time guidance, such as during biopsies or fluid drainage.

🔎 Note:

Most scans are external, using gel on the skin. Some may be internal (e.g., transvaginal or transrectal) for more accurate views of pelvic or prostate structures.

❓ Why might I need it?

You may be advised to have an ultrasound if you experience:

🤰 Pregnancy – for dating, screening, and growth monitoring
🤕 Abdominal pain, swelling, or suspected gallstones
💧 Suspected fluid collection or cyst
🍳 Menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns
💥 Suspected hernia or muscle injury
🫀 Blood vessel issues like DVT or poor circulation

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Gallstones or kidney stones
• Liver disease or fatty liver
• Ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids
• Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
• Testicular lumps or torsion
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Tumours or abnormal masses
• Foetal abnormalities or growth concerns

🩺 How is it done?

You’ll lie down while the sonographer applies a warm gel to the skin and moves the probe over the area of concern.

💡 You may be asked to have a full bladder or fast beforehand, depending on the scan area.
🕐 Duration: 15–30 minutes
📸 Results are often available immediately or within 1–2 days

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

💰 £80–£300, depending on the type and complexity of the scan

📍Commonly cheaper and more widely available than CT or MRI

✅ Commonly Combined With:

🧪 Blood tests – to assess hormone levels, inflammation, or organ function
🩻 X-ray – for structural comparison
👩‍⚕️ Gynaecological or urology consultation – based on ultrasound findings
🧬 Biopsy or fluid aspiration – guided by ultrasound imaging

📚 References:

• NHS – Ultrasound Scan Overview
• British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS)
• NICE – Clinical Guidance for Diagnostic Imaging