An ultrasound scan uses high frequency wave sounds to capture an image of inside your body
At Shirley Oaks Hospital in Croydon, South London, we provide a comprehensive range of private ultrasound scans in a calm, modern environment. Our highly experienced consultant radiologists and sonographers use state-of-the-art imaging technology to deliver fast, accurate results and expert diagnosis.
Ultrasound is one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine. It is a safe, painless procedure that helps doctors assess soft tissues and internal organs without radiation exposure. At Shirley Oaks Hospital, we perform a wide variety of ultrasound scans for patients across South London and Surrey, including abdominal, pelvic, vascular, vaginal and musculoskeletal imaging.
We understand that waiting for answers about your health can be stressful. That’s why we offer quick access to appointments, often within a few days, and rapid reporting so you can discuss your results with your referring clinician as soon as possible. Whether you’re self-referring or attending with a referral from your GP or consultant, our team is here to provide expert, compassionate care from start to finish.
‘From the moment I arrived, the team were professional and kind. My scan was explained clearly, and I had my results the same day.’
— Patient review, Shirley Oaks Hospital
An ultrasound scan (also known as sonography) is a diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. The sound waves are transmitted through a small handheld device called a transducer, which is moved gently across your skin with the help of a water-based gel.
As the sound waves bounce off your organs and tissues, they produce real-time images that appear on a monitor. Because ultrasound uses sound rather than radiation, it is completely safe and suitable for a wide range of medical assessments, including pregnancy, soft tissue, abdominal, and vascular scans.
Ultrasound is often used to examine organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, thyroid, bladder, uterus, and prostate. It can also be used to assess blood flow, detect cysts or masses, and guide certain procedures such as injections or biopsies.
The scan itself is usually painless and non-invasive, lasting between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the area being examined. You’ll be able to go home straight afterwards and resume your normal activities.
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted through a small probe placed on the skin. These sound waves bounce off tissues and organs inside the body and are converted into real-time images on a monitor.
Because ultrasound doesn’t involve radiation, it’s a safe diagnostic tool for people of all ages, including pregnant women. The procedure is non-invasive, quick, and produces immediate results, allowing radiologists and consultants to interpret findings promptly.
The advanced ultrasound technology used at Shirley Oaks Hospital ensures excellent image clarity, enabling our specialists to provide fast, accurate diagnoses and peace of mind.
You may be referred for an ultrasound scan if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling or lumps, or if your doctor needs to investigate the health of internal organs. Ultrasound can also be used as part of a routine assessment to monitor ongoing conditions or check that treatment is working effectively.
For example, abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to investigate pain, bloating, or suspected gallstones. A pelvic ultrasound can help diagnose causes of heavy periods or fertility issues. Musculoskeletal ultrasound can identify soft tissue injuries, inflammation, or tendon problems.
If you’re unsure whether an ultrasound is appropriate for you, our hospital team can guide you through the process and advise on the most suitable type of scan for your symptoms. Self-referrals are welcome for many ultrasound types, particularly musculoskeletal and general abdominal scans.
The cost of a private ultrasound depends on the type of scan and whether you are self-paying or using private medical insurance.
If you have private health insurance, most ultrasound scans are covered when medically necessary. Our team can liaise with your insurer to confirm authorisation before you attend.
Self-pay patients can book directly, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We also provide fixed-price packages for many diagnostic services, giving you peace of mind and clear expectations from the outset. If you want to know the cost of a certain type of scan, give us a call or submit an enquiry and we can give you a personalised quote.
A transvaginal ultrasound is an internal scan used to examine the female pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and bladder. It provides highly detailed images that help diagnose conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or unexplained pelvic pain.
During this scan, a small, specially designed transducer is inserted gently into the vagina. The procedure is safe, minimally uncomfortable, and provides a more detailed view of the reproductive organs than a standard abdominal scan.
Your sonographer will explain each step carefully, ensuring your comfort and privacy throughout. The scan usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, and results are shared promptly with your referring doctor.
Ultrasound can sometimes detect abnormalities such as lumps, cysts or masses that may require further investigation. While ultrasound is not typically used as the sole method to diagnose cancer, it is a valuable tool for identifying suspicious changes and guiding biopsies or follow-up imaging such as MRI or CT scans.
If an abnormality is found, your consultant will explain what the results mean and discuss any next steps. The availability of on-site imaging and specialist consultants at Shirley Oaks Hospital ensures that any required follow-up can be arranged quickly and seamlessly.
Whether or not you can eat before your scan depends on the type of ultrasound you’re having. For abdominal scans, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for four to six hours beforehand, as food and gas in the stomach can affect the quality of the images.
For pelvic or bladder scans, you might be asked to drink water and keep your bladder full, as this helps create a clearer picture of the organs being examined. Your booking confirmation will include specific preparation instructions for your scan type.
A full bladder helps improve visibility during pelvic and lower-abdominal ultrasound scans. The liquid inside the bladder acts as a window, pushing the bowel out of the way and allowing sound waves to pass more effectively. This creates sharper, more detailed images, making it easier to assess the bladder, uterus, and ovaries.
Your sonographer will usually ask you to drink water about an hour before the scan and to avoid urinating until after the procedure. Once the scan is complete, you’ll be able to empty your bladder straight away.
At Shirley Oaks Hospital, patients benefit from consultant-led care, advanced imaging technology, and a friendly, efficient service. Our radiology department works closely with other hospital specialties, including orthopaedics, gynaecology, and general medicine, ensuring that your results are reviewed quickly and any follow-up care is arranged without delay.
With convenient appointment times, ample on-site parking, and short waiting lists, we make it simple to access expert diagnostic imaging close to home. Whether you’re attending for reassurance, monitoring, or part of ongoing treatment, our priority is your comfort, safety, and confidence at every stage.
To book an ultrasound scan at Shirley Oaks Hospital, you often 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 Shirley Oaks and you need an ultrasound, your consultant will refer you to our imaging team to arrange the scan.
In some instances, self-referral is possible. If you would like to pay this way, give our team a call to find out. You may be able to book straight in, or they may advise you 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.
Appointments are available throughout the week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate work and family commitments. Our administrative team ensures a smooth booking process, guiding you through any preparation instructions ahead of your scan.
On the day, you’ll be welcomed by our radiology team, who will explain what to expect and make sure you’re comfortable before, during, and after the scan. Your results will be reviewed by a consultant radiologist and shared promptly with you or your referring doctor.
Reception: 020 8655 5500
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-8pm
Sat: 8:30am-1:30pm
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