Private ultrasound scan

What is a private ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. The scan involves a transducer (or probe) which is pressed onto the skin and moved around. This is to acquire the images of the inside of your body.

An ultrasound scan is a procedure that creates a real-time image of the inside of the body. During the scan, a transducer (or probe) is used to create high frequency sound waves and turn their ‘echoes’ into a moving image of the part of the body being scanned. There are different kinds of ultrasound scans depending on which part of the body is affected.

At Practice Plus Group, we offer:

• external ultrasound scan where the probe is moved over the skin
• internal ultrasound scan where the probe is inserted into the body.

Types of ultrasound scans

At Practice Plus Group, we routinely perform private ultrasound scans on the following areas of the body:

• abdomen
• pelvis
• trans-vaginal (internal)
• testes.

We do not currently provide ultrasound scanning for:

• thyroid
• the veins
• arterial assessments
• breast
• antenatal imaging.

What to expect from an ultrasound scan

The scan will be performed by a sonographer. Sonographers are radiographers with specific qualifications in performing, examining, and reporting ultrasound scans.

During the procedure, you’ll be taken into the ultrasound room where you will be asked to confirm your identity. You will then be asked to lie down on a couch for the examination. The room may be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly. A gel will be applied to your skin over the area that is to be scanned. The gel may be cold, but it allows the probe to slide easily over the skin and helps to produce clearer pictures. The sonographer will slowly move the sensor over your skin while viewing the images on the screen. Recordings of selected images will be made and referred to when writing the report.

Once the scan is complete, you will be provided with tissue to clean off the gel. You’ll then get dressed and be free to leave.

Depending on the area (or areas) being examined, the ultrasound scan may take up to 20 minutes for one body part and 30 minutes for two.

After your scan, the sonographer will compile a report containing the results. These will be emailed to you within 2-3 working days. A copy will also be sent to your GP if you request it.

Preparing for an ultrasound scan

If you are having an ultrasound scan of your pelvis, kidneys or bladder, you may be required to drink lots of water prior to the examination. This is so you have a full bladder which makes the ultrasound images clearer.

Examinations of the gallbladder or pancreas may require fasting. This is typically around six hours before the procedure, but you’ll be advised of this at the time of booking and via confirmation letter.

Please note that you should inform the radiology department in advance if you have had a similar ultrasound scan recently.

Risks and benefits of an ultrasound scan

There are no known risks associated with ultrasound scanning. It is considered to be a very safe procedure. Ultrasound scanning offers the following benefits:

• clear pictures in real-time
• detection of soft tissues
• no radiation risk.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.