An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic procedure used to take pictures of internal organs and tissues
Ultrasound scans are a safe, widely used imaging test that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of the inside of your body. They can help investigate a wide range of symptoms, monitor existing conditions, and guide certain treatments or procedures.
At Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester, our state-of-the-art imaging facilities and dedicated team of professionals create a welcoming, modern environment where you can receive compassionate, expert care with confidence.
Choosing a private ultrasound at Sarum Road Hospital means you can have timely access to appointments, flexible scheduling, and receive clear communication from your first enquiry through to receiving your results.
At Sarum Road Hospital, we offer a range of ultrasound services performed by our team of expert sonographers and radiologists using modern equipment.
Common scans we perform on our patients include:
Based on your symptoms, your consultant will recommend the type of ultrasound most appropriate to further investigate your concerns. If, during the scan, the sonographer or radiologist feels that an additional scan is needed to better see what may be causing the issue, they will discuss with you and your consultant.
After the scan, one of our highly qualified radiologists will review the images and prepare a report. This will be sent to the consultant who referred you, who will then explain the findings and advise on any further steps in your care.
The cost of a private ultrasound at Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester depends on several factors, including:
Because every patient’s needs are different, there is no single price that applies to all ultrasound scans. Instead, you will receive clear, personalised information about the cost of your investigation before you go ahead.
Ultrasound scans are often covered by private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.
If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.
Our self-pay patients benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your treatment. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests aren’t included in this package, but the cost of your treatment or surgery, hospital fees, aftercare programme are. There are no hidden costs down the line.
A ultrasound scan is used to investigate a wide range of symptoms and conditions. It is particularly good at showing the details of soft tissue and fluid-filled structures, such as a cyst. It can also provide valuable information about the size, shape, and appearance of organs and tissues.
Common uses of ultrasound include:
This type of ultrasound scan helps your doctor look at organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. These scans can help investigate pain, abnormal liver tests, suspected gallstones, or changes seen on other imaging.
These ultrasound scans help assess the health of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures. This scan may be used to investigate abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or suspected ovarian cysts and fibroids.
This type of scan can help detect problems such as kidney stones, bladder abnormalities, or urinary retention.
Vascular ultrasounds can assess blood flow in arteries and veins to help detect conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), narrowed arteries, or other circulation problems.
These ultrasound scans assist in examining the thyroid gland and nearby structures, often when lumps or swelling are felt in the neck.
If you experience pain, swelling, or lumps in the scrotum, you may be recommended this type of scan. It can also be used to assess the testicles and surrounding tissues.
To look at muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, this type of ultrasound can help diagnose soft tissue injuries, tendonitis, bursitis, or fluid collections around joints.
Sometimes, an ultrasound of the breast is performed alongside a mammography to investigate breast lumps or other changes.
An ultrasound is also widely used to help guide diagnostic or treatment procedures, such as injections into joints or soft tissues, drainage of fluid collections, or biopsies of certain organs or lumps. By providing a live image, ultrasounds can help clinicians place needles accurately and safely.
Your consultant will decide whether an ultrasound is best for you based on your symptoms, examination findings, and any previous test results. They will explain what the scan will look for and how the results will help plan your next steps.
Getting an ultrasound scan at Sarum Road Hospital is straightforward and we will ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your appointment.
The exact steps that will happen during the scan may vary slightly, depending on the area being examined. Although, the general process is similar for most scans.
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by the reception team and your details will be confirmed. Our imaging team may ask you a few questions about your symptoms, medical history, and the reason for your scan. You will then be shown to the ultrasound room ready for your scan.
During the scan:
Most ultrasound scans take between 15 and 30 minutes, though some may be a little longer if a detailed assessment is required.
Ultrasound scans are usually painless. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, particularly if the area is tender, but this should not be severe. If you feel uncomfortable, you can let the sonographer know at any time.
Once the scan is complete, the gel is wiped away, and you can get dressed. You can usually go home or return to your normal activities straight afterwards, unless you have been given different instructions.
In most cases, very little preparation is required before an ultrasound. However, for some scans, certain steps are needed to help ensure clear images are captured.
Our team will provide you with specific instructions for your ultrasound when your appointment is booked.
Depending on the type of ultrasound you are having, you may be asked to prepare specific actions beforehand. These may include:
You may be asked not to eat or drink (except small sips of water) for several hours before your scan. This helps reduce gas in the stomach and bowel, which can interfere with the ultrasound waves and make it harder to see the organs clearly.
You may be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. If this is the case, you will be asked to drink a set amount of water before your appointment and avoiding going to the toilet until after the scan. This is because a full bladder can help provide better images of certain pelvic structures.
You may be advised to drink water beforehand and avoid emptying your bladder immediately before the scan, depending on the exact test requested.
These types of ultrasounds usually require little or no particular preparation. You may be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing or to remove jewellery or tight garments near the area being scanned.
If you take regular medication, you should generally continue as normal but always check if you are given any specific advice.
If you are diabetic or if fasting could be difficult for you, let our team know and they can tailor your preparation instructions accordingly.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you can mention this when your scan is booked so suitable arrangements can be made.
Before your scan, it may also be helpful to:
Booking an ultrasound at Sarum Road Hospital is simple and flexible. In many cases, you can self-refer without needing a GP referral, allowing you to arrange your scan directly at a time that suits you. This is particularly helpful if you want fast access to diagnostic imaging or are seeking reassurance about a specific concern.
If you do have a referral from your GP or consultant, this can also be used to arrange your ultrasound appointment. The hospital team will ensure the scan requested matches your clinical needs and that any necessary preparation instructions are provided in advance.
Appointments are typically available quickly, helping to reduce anxiety and avoid unnecessary delays in diagnosis or treatment.
In many situations, ultrasound scans are arranged following a referral from a doctor or another healthcare professional. This helps ensure the scan is appropriate for your symptoms and that results are interpreted in the context of your overall health and any other tests.
In some cases, self-referral may be possible for certain types of ultrasounds, but this will depend on the nature of the scan and the hospital’s referral criteria at the time. Because policies can change, it is best to contact the hospital directly to check.
Even when self-referral is possible, it is often helpful to discuss your symptoms with a doctor first. They can confirm whether an ultrasound is the most appropriate test for you and help arrange any follow-up care once your results are available.
If you are unsure how to arrange an ultrasound, the bookings team at Sarum Road Hospital can guide you through the process and advise on the next steps.
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