Private Abdominal Ultrasound
Private Abdominal Ultrasound Scan – £125
Fast Access to Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging
The Blackheath Clinic provides private abdominal ultrasound scans for adults seeking prompt investigation of abdominal symptoms or abnormal blood-test results.
An abdominal ultrasound provides detailed imaging of many of the major organs within the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and abdominal aorta, where these structures can be adequately visualised.
Ultrasound is commonly used as a first-line investigation for symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, abnormal liver function tests and suspected gallstones.
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No GP referral required -
Experienced diagnostic sonographers -
Doctor-led clinic -
Rapid appointments available -
Formal diagnostic report
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Abdominal Ultrasound
£125
What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the abdomen.
Unlike X-rays and CT scans, diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation.
During the examination, your sonographer moves an ultrasound probe across the abdomen to examine the underlying organs and structures. The images produced can help identify or assess a wide range of common abdominal conditions.
Why Might I Need an Abdominal Ultrasound?
Your doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound, or you may choose to arrange one privately, for symptoms or findings including:
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Upper or generalised abdominal pain -
Persistent abdominal discomfort -
Right upper abdominal pain -
Abdominal bloating -
Abnormal liver function tests -
Suspected gallstones
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Suspected fatty liver disease -
Recurrent upper abdominal symptoms -
Abnormal or unexplained blood-test results -
Follow-up of a previously identified abdominal abnormality -
Monitoring of certain known liver, gallbladder or kidney conditions
If you are unsure whether abdominal ultrasound is the correct investigation for your symptoms, you can contact the clinic before booking or arrange a consultation with one of our private GPs.
What Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Examine?
Depending on the clinical indication and what can be adequately visualised, an abdominal ultrasound can assess:
Ultrasound
Our Ultrasound
Abdominal Pain
Can an Ultrasound Help Investigate Abdominal Pain?
Yes. Ultrasound is frequently used as an initial imaging investigation for abdominal pain, particularly where symptoms could relate to the liver, gallbladder, biliary system or kidneys.
However, not every cause of abdominal pain can be diagnosed using ultrasound. Conditions involving the stomach or bowel, for example, may require different investigations.
If your symptoms are unexplained, our GPs can assess you and advise whether ultrasound, blood testing, another form of imaging or specialist assessment is most appropriate.
This section is important. It captures the abdominal-pain search intent without overselling ultrasound.
Liver Ultrasound
Liver & Fatty Liver Assessment
An abdominal ultrasound allows the liver to be assessed for changes in size, appearance and echogenicity.
It may be requested following abnormal liver function tests, suspected fatty liver disease, upper abdominal symptoms or as follow-up of a previously identified liver abnormality.
Ultrasound can identify features consistent with fatty infiltration and may identify certain cysts or focal abnormalities. Depending on the findings and clinical history, further blood tests, imaging or specialist assessment may sometimes be recommended.
Gallbladder Ultrasound
Gallstones & Gallbladder Assessment
Ultrasound is commonly used to investigate suspected gallstones and gallbladder disease.
A gallbladder ultrasound may be appropriate for symptoms such as recurrent right upper abdominal pain, particularly where gallstones are suspected.
The examination can assess the gallbladder for stones and other abnormalities and can also assess the biliary system for certain associated changes.
Kidney Ultrasound
The kidneys form part of a standard abdominal ultrasound examination and can be assessed for abnormalities including cysts, hydronephrosis and some kidney stones.
Patients whose symptoms are predominantly urinary may be better suited to our dedicated Kidney & Bladder / Urinary Tract Ultrasound, which provides a more focused assessment of the urinary system.
Preparing for Your Abdominal Ultrasound
Do I Need to Fast?
Patients undergoing an abdominal ultrasound will generally be asked to fast before their examination.
This can improve visualisation of the gallbladder and some other abdominal structures and reduce interference from bowel contents and gas.
Your appointment confirmation will contain the specific preparation instructions for your examination.
I would have your sonography team confirm the exact fasting protocol before putting a specific number of hours on the website. That way the web page matches your actual departmental protocol.
What Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Detect?
An abdominal ultrasound can help identify a number of abnormalities, including:
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Gallstones -
Fatty changes within the liver -
Some liver cysts and focal lesions -
Gallbladder abnormalities -
Dilated bile ducts -
Kidney cysts
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Hydronephrosis -
Some kidney stones -
Enlargement of the spleen -
Certain pancreatic abnormalities where adequately visualised -
Enlargement of the abdominal aorta -
Other structural abnormalities visible on ultrasound
An ultrasound cannot diagnose every abdominal condition. Depending on your symptoms and scan findings, additional investigations such as blood tests, CT, MRI, endoscopy or specialist assessment may be appropriate.
Our Patient Review

I was understandably very worried and was able to book an appointment within just a couple of hours. From the moment we met him, Dr Mac Sweeney was kind, reassuring, professional and genuinely caring. He took the time to listen, explained everything clearly, and made us feel that my husband was in very safe hands.
What impressed me most was that his care did not stop when we left the consultation. He followed up on several occasions to check on my husband's progress, prescribed more medicine and even went out of his way to provide a letter for our insurance company, which was incredibly helpful.
In a world where good service can sometimes feel hard to find, Dr Mac Sweeney demonstrated a level of compassion and personal attention that was truly exceptional. The fee was also very reasonable, especially given the time, care and support we received.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr Mac Sweeney to anyone needing medical assistance and will always be grateful for the kindness he showed to both of us. If I lived in London I would most certainly subscribe to his membership scheme so he could deal with all my family's medical needs.


The clinic has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a fresh, calming scent that immediately creates a welcoming environment. Everything was explained clearly and professionally, making the whole experience completely stress-free.
I particularly appreciated the expert advice and felt comfortable throughout. I would highly recommend The Blackheath Clinic to anyone looking for a professional, patient-focused service.


As I entered the tastefully curated space, I encountered one of the rarest of things: a polite, smiling and genuinely welcoming receptionist. In fact, she was so warm and courteous that I briefly wondered whether I had wandered into an upmarket spa by mistake.
Then I met Dr Sweeney. He was charming, courteous, friendly and thoroughly professional, with the kind of bedside manner that reminds you what general practice can be at its best: attentive, humane and quietly confident. He came across as someone who takes real pride in his work and genuinely cares for his patients.
The whole experience felt like stepping back into a time when patients were warmly received and doctors truly doctored. As I was leaving, Dr Sweeney mentioned that he was off on a home visit. A GP doing a home visit in 2026? I was so astonished I nearly needed examining all over again.
Join this practice quickly before word gets out and the list fills up. This is care delivered by people who genuinely care, and that feels all too rare these days

I had lip filler and RRS Long Lasting skin boosters, and she took the time to explain everything clearly, answer all my questions, and ensure I felt confident about the treatments. Her attention to detail and gentle approach really stood out, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Dr Micha Plugaru truly combines expertise with a warm, personal touch. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering aesthetic treatments — you’re in the safest and most caring hands.
What Happens During the Scan?
You will usually be asked to lie on an examination couch and expose the area of the abdomen being examined.
Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and the sonographer moves the ultrasound probe over different areas of the abdomen. You may occasionally be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly to obtain the clearest possible images.
The examination is non-invasive and is usually well tolerated.
How Long Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Take?
Most abdominal ultrasound appointments take approximately 20–30 minutes, although this can vary depending on the reason for the examination and the findings.
Do I Need a GP Referral?
No Referral Required
In most cases, you can book a private abdominal ultrasound directly without a GP referral.
If another doctor has recommended the examination, please bring any relevant referral letter, previous imaging reports or blood-test results with you where available.
If you’re unsure whether an abdominal ultrasound is the appropriate investigation, our team can advise you or you can arrange an appointment with one of our private GPs.
Your Ultrasound Report
What Happens After My Scan?
Following your examination, a formal ultrasound report will be prepared.
Depending on the findings, you may be advised that:
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No further investigation is required -
Blood tests would be helpful -
GP review is recommended
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Further imaging such as CT or MRI should be considered -
Repeat ultrasound is appropriate -
Specialist assessment is recommended
Because The Blackheath Clinic is a doctor-led medical clinic, we can also provide private GP assessment, blood testing and onward specialist referral where appropriate.
That builds directly on one of the strongest differentiators already present on your existing diagnostic page, which explains that imaging can be combined with GP assessment, blood testing and onward referral.
How Much Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Cost?
Abdominal Ultrasound – £125
The cost of a private abdominal ultrasound at The Blackheath Clinic is £125.
This includes your ultrasound examination and formal diagnostic report.
No referral required.
Why Choose The Blackheath Clinic?
We provide private diagnostic ultrasound within a calm, professional and doctor-led medical clinic.
Rapid appointments
Experienced diagnostic sonographers
Modern ultrasound equipment
Formal diagnostic reports
Private GP appointments available
Blood testing available onsite
Specialist referral where required
Rather than providing imaging in isolation, we can help arrange appropriate medical follow-up when an ultrasound identifies something requiring further investigation.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation and is widely used in diagnostic medicine.
The examination is normally painless, although pressure from the probe may cause temporary discomfort if the area being examined is already tender.
Ultrasound is commonly used as a first-line imaging investigation for suspected gallstones.
Ultrasound can identify appearances that may be consistent with fatty change within the liver. Further clinical assessment or blood tests may sometimes be required.
Ultrasound can identify some abnormal masses or structural changes, but it is not a comprehensive cancer screening test and cannot exclude all cancers. Any concerning finding may require further imaging or specialist investigation.
Ultrasound has limitations in assessing the stomach and bowel because gas can interfere with imaging. Other investigations may be more appropriate for gastrointestinal symptoms.
A formal diagnostic report is prepared following your scan. [Insert your actual reporting timeframe here.]
No. In most cases patients can book directly.
Book Today
Book a Private Abdominal Ultrasound
Rapid Access to Diagnostic Imaging
If you are experiencing abdominal symptoms, have abnormal blood-test results or have been advised to arrange an abdominal ultrasound, we can provide prompt access to diagnostic imaging at The Blackheath Clinic.
Private Abdominal Ultrasound – £125
Blackheath Village, London SE3 · Contact us today to arrange your appointment.