An ultrasound scan uses high frequency wave sounds to capture an image of inside your body
If you’ve been referred for an ultrasound or would like to arrange one privately, Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow offers fast access to high quality imaging in a professional, comfortable setting.
Part of Circle Health Group, Ross Hall Hospital provides state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, MRI, CT, and X-ray. Our experienced radiologists and sonographers deliver clear, detailed scans using advanced technology, helping your consultant diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions accurately and efficiently.
Whether your ultrasound is for abdominal pain, pregnancy, or general investigation, we ensure a smooth, reassuring experience from referral to results.
An ultrasound scan is a safe, non invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use radiation, making it safe for people of all ages, including pregnant women.
A small handheld device called a transducer is placed on your skin (or inside the body for certain scans). It sends sound waves into the body, which bounce back when they hit tissues and organs. These echoes are converted into images on a screen, allowing your consultant to see what’s happening inside in real time.
Ultrasound scans are commonly used to examine the abdomen, pelvis, heart, thyroid, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels, as well as to monitor pregnancy and guide certain medical procedures.
At Ross Hall Hospital, our ultrasound facilities are equipped with the latest digital technology, producing high-resolution images for rapid, accurate diagnosis.
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. These waves travel through the body and bounce off internal structures, producing echoes.
A computer processes these echoes to form live images on a monitor. Different tissues (such as organs, fluid, and bone) reflect sound waves differently, allowing the radiologist to distinguish between them.
The technology is completely radiation free, making it safe for repeated use and ideal for monitoring conditions, such as pregnancy or chronic organ diseases.
At Ross Hall Hospital, our advanced ultrasound machines deliver crisp, high-definition images, enabling accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning.
The cost of a private ultrasound scan a depends on the complexity of the scan and whether more than one area of the body is examined, as well as whether any additional imaging or follow up is needed.
At Circle Health Group hospitals, you will always receive clear, upfront pricing before your appointment.
If you are using private medical insurance, ultrasound is often covered, provided the scan has been requested by a consultant or GP. For self funding patients, flexible payment options are available to make access to private imaging more affordable.
A transvaginal ultrasound (sometimes known just as a vaginal ultrasound) is a type of pelvic scan that provides detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and surrounding pelvic structures.
Instead of using a transducer on the abdomen, a specially designed probe is gently inserted into the vagina to capture clearer images, especially of the reproductive organs.
Transvaginal ultrasound is often recommended to investigate:
This type of scan can detect small abnormalities that may not be visible on standard abdominal ultrasound. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is performed with care and sensitivity by experienced sonographers. Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful.
You may be asked to empty your bladder before the scan, as a full bladder can interfere with image clarity during transvaginal imaging.
Ultrasound scans can help detect abnormal growths, cysts, or tumours, but they cannot always confirm whether a growth is cancerous.
For example, ultrasound may show a lump or lesion in an organ such as the liver, kidney, or breast, but further tests (for example a biopsy, MRI, or CT scan) are often needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Ultrasound is frequently used as a first line diagnostic tool because it is fast, non invasive, and widely available. It can detect structural changes, monitor growths over time, and guide needle biopsies to collect tissue samples for further testing.
Your consultant will explain whether ultrasound alone is sufficient for diagnosis or whether additional imaging is required.
Whether you can eat before your ultrasound depends on the type of scan you’re having:
Your booking confirmation from Ross Hall Hospital will include specific preparation instructions. If you’re unsure, give us a call and our team will be happy to advise.
For some pelvic or early pregnancy ultrasounds, you’ll be asked to drink water and keep your bladder full before your appointment.
A full bladder pushes the intestines out of the way and acts as a ‘window' for the sound waves, allowing the sonographer to capture clearer images of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
You’ll usually be asked to drink around one litre of water about an hour before your scan and to avoid emptying your bladder until the scan is complete.
If a transvaginal scan is performed, you may be asked to empty your bladder for comfort and improved accuracy during imaging.
Most ultrasound scans take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined.
You’ll lie comfortably on an examination couch while the sonographer applies a small amount of gel to your skin. The gel helps transmit sound waves more effectively.
The transducer is then moved gently over the area of interest to capture images. You may be asked to change position, hold your breath briefly, or shift slightly to improve visibility.
After the scan, the gel is wiped away, and you can return to normal activities immediately. Your results are reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who prepares a detailed report for your referring doctor or consultant.
Ultrasound scans can show a wide variety of organs and tissues in the body, including:
Ultrasound scans can reveal abnormalities such as cysts, tumours, fluid collections, gallstones, kidney stones, or inflammation. It’s also used to monitor pregnancies, guide biopsies, and assist with certain injections or treatments.
Your consultant may recommend an ultrasound after a CT scan to further evaluate or monitor specific findings.
While CT scans provide a broad overview of internal structures using X-rays, ultrasound offers real-time imaging and can provide more detail about soft tissue or fluid changes.
Ultrasound is often used for:
Because ultrasound does not use radiation, it’s a safe, complementary imaging method for ongoing assessment.
Patients choose Ross Hall Hospital for diagnostic imaging because of our combination of advanced technology, experienced consultants, and patient focused care.
As part of Circle Health Group, Ross Hall provides:
From booking to results, our friendly team ensures your experience is smooth, professional, and reassuring.
To book an ultrasound scan at Ross Hall Hospital, you will need a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional. Whether you are a private or NHS patient, your GP can refer you to our hospital to have your ultrasound. We will then send the results back to your GP.
If you are already a patient at Ross Hall and you need an ultrasound, your consultant will refer you to our imaging team to arrange the scan.
If you don’t have a referral but believe you need an ultrasound scan, it’s important to speak to a specialist first. Call or book online to make an appointment with a relevant consultant near you, and they will be able to discuss your conditions and, if appropriate, refer you for an ultrasound scan.
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