Upper Abdomen Ultrasound
An upper abdomen ultrasound is a non-invasive scan that assesses key digestive and upper abdominal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and bile ducts. It helps diagnose causes of abdominal pain, indigestion, abnormal blood tests, jaundice, or suspected gallstones. This quick and safe scan provides detailed imaging of structures essential for digestive health and overall abdominal function.
What is an upper abdomen ultrasound?
An upper abdomen ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine:
- Liver – size, texture, fatty changes, inflammation, masses
- Gallbladder – gallstones, polyps, wall thickening, inflammation
- Bile ducts – dilation or obstruction
- Pancreas – structural changes, inflammation, masses
- Spleen – enlargement, lesions, or abnormalities
- Major abdominal vessels – including the aorta and portal vein
This scan is a first-line investigation for upper abdominal pain, digestive issues, or abnormal liver and pancreatic results.
Why consider a private upper abdomen scan?
You may benefit from this scan if you have:
- Persistent or unexplained upper abdominal pain
- Suspected gallstones or gallbladder issues
- Abnormal liver or pancreatic blood tests
- Indigestion, nausea or bloating
- Monitoring fatty liver disease
- History of hepatitis or liver disorders
- Follow-up for previously detected abdominal abnormalities
Advantages of private ultrasound:
- Safe and radiation-free
- More accurate than external scan for fine detail
- No referral required
- Consultant sonographer report provided
- Ideal for fertility and menstrual health assessment
Symptoms or concerns that may require this scan
Consider this scan if you are experiencing:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting or indigestion (especially after meals)
- Abdominal bloating or fullness
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
- Unexplained fatigue
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Abnormal liver, pancreatic or gallbladder blood tests
- Unclear digestive or upper abdominal symptoms
What can this ultrasound detect?
- Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
- Fatty liver (steatosis)
- Liver cirrhosis indicators
- Liver cysts, lesions or masses
- Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis)
- Pancreatic cysts or masses
- Spleen enlargement (splenomegaly)
- Aortic aneurysm or vascular abnormalities
Preparing for your upper abdomen scan
Preparation instructions:
- Fast for 6 hours before the scan to improve visibility of the gallbladder and upper abdominal organs
- Only small sips of water allowed during fasting
- Avoid large or fatty meals beforehand
- The scan is external and painless
- Scan time: ~30 minutes
Inform the team if:
- You have diabetes or difficulty fasting
- You are on medications that require food
- You have had previous upper abdominal surgery
- You are experiencing severe or acute abdominal symptoms
How it works
Smarter Scanning. Proactive Health. Peace of Mind.
Choose
Pick a scan or a program. No referral required.
Book
Select a time online - same‑day availability.
Scan
Be seen by specialists in our Bluewater clinic.
Results
Consultant‑led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Get clarity. Get control.
Cut out long NHS queues, avoid opaque private quotes, and step into a single-visit, consultant-led experience.
