Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
An Abdominal Ultrasound provides a comprehensive assessment of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and main abdominal blood vessels. The scan is safe, painless and completely radiation-free.
Clinical content reviewed by the MyScanHub clinical team · October 20264 minutes reading time
From
£140
All-inclusive. Reported by a consultant radiologist or clinical specialist sonographer within 72 hours.
- Radiologists & specialist sonographers
- CQC registered
- GDPR compliant
- Report within 72 hours
What is an Abdominal Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves — no radiation and no injections — to produce real-time images of soft tissues and organs.
Ultrasound is safe, painless, and radiation-free — making it a first-line investigation for many conditions of the abdomen.
Is this scan right for you?
Common reasons for having this scan include:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Suspected gallstones
- Abnormal liver or kidney blood tests
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
What an Abdominal Ultrasound Scan can find
Ultrasound can identify:
- Gallstones and gallbladder abnormalities
- Liver abnormalities including fatty liver
- Bile duct problems
- Kidney stones and kidney cysts
- Splenic enlargement
- Aortic abnormalities
What it cannot do
Ultrasound has inherent technical limitations. Image quality may be affected by body habitus, bowel gas, patient movement or the depth of structures being assessed. A normal or unremarkable scan result does not exclude all pathology. MyScanHub provides sonographic findings, not a clinical diagnosis. All findings must be interpreted alongside your clinical history and examination by your GP or specialist. If your symptoms are severe, worsening or you have urgent health concerns, please seek medical advice immediately and do not wait for your scan appointment.
What happens on the day
- 1Check in at our clinic in the Guildhall Outer Car Park at Bluewater. Parking is free.
- 2You lie on the couch with your tummy uncovered. A little gel goes on the skin and the probe is moved over the area; you may be asked to take a deep breath or turn on your side so each organ can be seen clearly.
- 3The scan takes about 20 minutes. There are no needles, and you can eat and drink as soon as it is over.
- 4Your written report is uploaded to your secure patient account within 72 hours.
Ultrasound or MRI for the abdomen?
Ultrasound is the first test for gallstones, liver and kidney changes and most upper-abdominal symptoms: no radiation, no injections, and results the same day. It is limited where bowel gas or body shape gets in the way, and it does not see the pancreas or the bowel as well as cross-sectional imaging. When ultrasound raises a question, MRI is usually the next step, and MyScanHub offers it without a GP referral.
Preparing for your Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
On the day of your scan:
- Fast for 6 hours before your scan (water and essential medication are fine)
- Fasting is essential for gallbladder assessment
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Please notify the team if:
- You are pregnant or might be pregnant
- You have any open wounds or skin infections in the scanning area
- You have relevant medical history (diabetes, cardiac, blood thinners)
- You have allergies to latex or ultrasound gel
Your report
All diagnostic scans at MyScanHub are performed and reported by GMC-registered Consultant Radiologists or HCPC-registered Clinical Specialist Sonographers. Your written report is delivered securely to your patient portal within 72 hours.
You can download the report and your images from your patient account to share with your GP, physiotherapist or specialist, or add a GP consultation to talk the findings through. How to open and share your results.
Why consider a private Ultrasound scan for the abdomen?
When you need answers quickly — or when prior imaging has been inconclusive — a private Ultrasound at MyScanHub gives you timely access and specialist reporting without the wait.
Private scan benefits include:
- Fast access — same-day or next-day appointments, no waiting list
- Consultant radiologist or clinical specialist sonographer report within 72 hours
- Fully-private, CQC-registered, GDPR-compliant imaging centre
- Secure online access to your report and images, easy to share with your GP or specialist
Smarter scanning. Proactive health. Peace of mind.
Step 1
Choose
Pick a scan or a programme. No GP referral required.
Step 2
Book
Select a time online — same-day availability most weekdays.
Step 3
Scan
Be seen by specialists at our Dartford, Kent imaging centre.
Step 4
Results
Your written report within 72 hours, in your secure patient account.
Frequently asked questions
Does the scan include the kidneys?
Yes: both kidneys, with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and the main abdominal blood vessels.
Can the scan see the stomach or the bowel?
Not well; gas in the bowel blocks ultrasound. Persistent stomach or bowel symptoms are usually investigated with an endoscopy, or a CT or MRI arranged by a clinician, and the report will say if that is advisable.
Why do I need to fast before the scan?
The gallbladder empties after you eat, so it cannot be assessed properly, and food makes more bowel gas, which blocks the view. Water and essential medication are fine.
How long does the scan take?
About 20 minutes. You can eat and drink straight afterwards.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly, and every scan is reported by a consultant radiologist or a clinical specialist sonographer. You can share the report with your GP afterwards.
When will I get my report?
Your written report, from a GMC-registered consultant radiologist or an HCPC-registered clinical specialist sonographer, is delivered securely to your patient account within 72 hours of your scan, with your images alongside it.
Where is the clinic?
Our imaging centre is at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford, Kent (DA9 9ST), in the Guildhall Outer Car Park — free parking, a few minutes from junction 2 of the M25 and the A2. We're open Monday to Saturday 8am–9pm and Sunday 10am–5pm. Full directions are sent with your booking confirmation.
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Ready to book your Abdominal Ultrasound Scan?
Book online in minutes. Same-day and next-day slots available most weekdays in Dartford, Kent. Reported by a consultant radiologist or clinical specialist sonographer within 72 hours.
At our clinic in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford: free parking, open seven days. How to find us · All private ultrasound scans in Dartford & Kent