Ultrasounds in Poole

Private ultrasound scanning at The Harbour Hospital 

Ultrasound scans are commonly used to investigate symptoms such as pain, swelling, or unexplained lumps, providing real-time images of your soft tissues and internal structures. The technology shows change in your body as it happens, making it particularly useful for assessing your muscles, tendons, and organs. 

At The Harbour Hospital, you can access private ultrasound scans in Poole with expert clinical reporting, and care delivered in a calm and comfortable environment. 

Choosing private imaging allows you to avoid long waiting times, receive results quickly, and move forward with your diagnosis and treatment with greater clarity and confidence. 

Your ultrasound scan is carried out by experienced radiographers and consultant radiologists, who specialise in diagnostic imaging.  

Radiographers (technologists) often operate the imaging machinery to produce the scan, while radiologists are medical consultants who interpret these images to diagnose conditions and guide a treatment plan. Radiologists can also operate imaging machinery, if needed. 

From your initial appointment through to receiving your results, the process at The Harbour Hospital is designed to be efficient, accurate, and reassuring, with clear communication and support at every stage of your care. 

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not use radiation, making it a safe and non-invasive option for many patients. 

During the scan, sound waves are transmitted into your body and reflected back from tissues and organs. These returning echoes are converted into live images displayed on a screen, allowing your consultant to assess both structure and movement in real time. 

There are several types of ultrasound: 

• Diagnostic ultrasound - Used to diagnose a range of conditions 
• Doppler ultrasound - A type of diagnostic ultrasound to assess blood flow through your veins and arteries 
• Prenatal ultrasound - To monitor your unborn baby during pregnancy 
• Ultrasound guidance - Ultrasound may be used to guide a surgeon during a procedure such as a biopsy 
• Therapeutic ultrasound - May be used by physiotherapists to treat chronic pain and promote tissue healing 

Why might you need an ultrasound scan? 

An ultrasound scan is often recommended when your consultant needs more detailed information about your soft tissues, organs, or blood flow. It is commonly used to investigate symptoms that cannot be fully explained through physical examination alone. 

You may be referred for an ultrasound if you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or changes in a specific area of your body. It is also frequently used to assess lumps or abnormalities and to monitor existing medical conditions. Some reasons why you might need an ultrasound include: 

Abdominal and organ-related symptoms

Ultrasound is often used to examine internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas. It can help investigate abdominal pain, bloating, or abnormal blood test results, and may identify issues such as gallstones, cysts, or inflammation. 

Musculoskeletal conditions 

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used to assess joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is commonly recommended for conditions such as tendon injuries, bursitis, or soft tissue inflammation. Because the scan can assess movement in real time, it is particularly useful for identifying the source of pain during activity. It is also often used if you have a suspected bone fracture from an impact injury.  

Lumps and soft tissue changes 

Ultrasound can help evaluate lumps or swelling beneath the skin, distinguishing between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. This can be an important step in determining whether further investigation of a lump is needed. 

Vascular concerns

Vascular ultrasound is used to assess blood flow within arteries and veins. It can help detect conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), narrowed blood vessels, or circulation issues. 

Monitoring your health and guiding procedures

Ultrasound may also be used to monitor known long-term conditions and guide procedures such as steroid injection therapy. Its real-time imaging allows your consultant to position treatment accurately and safely. 

Your consultant will explain why an ultrasound has been recommended and what information the scan is expected to provide. 

How much does a private ultrasound cost at The Harbour Hospital? 

The cost of a private ultrasound depends on the type of scan being performed and whether any additional assessments are required. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover. 

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR. 

How should you prepare for an ultrasound scan?

Preparation for an ultrasound depends on the type of scan you are having. Some scans require no preparation, while others may involve specific instructions to ensure the best image quality. 

For abdominal ultrasounds, you may be asked to avoid eating for several hours before your appointment. This helps reduce interference from food and gas within your digestive system. 

For pelvic ultrasounds, you may be asked to drink water and arrive with a full bladder. This helps improve visibility of the organs being examined. 

You will receive clear instructions from your consultant and healthcare team before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.  

Following these guidelines carefully helps ensure accurate and reliable results. 

What happens during an ultrasound scan?

During your ultrasound, you will usually be asked to lie on an examination couch while the area being scanned is exposed. A water-based gel is applied to your skin to help the sound waves travel effectively. 

A handheld probe is then moved gently over the area. This probe sends sound waves into your body and receives the returning echoes, which are converted into images on a monitor. 

The scan is painless and typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined. You may be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly to help capture clearer images. 

Once the scan is complete, the gel is removed, and you can return to your normal activities straight away. 

Ultrasound scan FAQs

Below are answers to your most asked questions about having an ultrasound scan. 

What does a transvaginal ultrasound show? 

A transvaginal ultrasound is used to examine the female pelvic organs, including the uterus and ovaries, in greater detail. It is often recommended when more precise imaging is needed than can be achieved with an abdominal scan. 

This type of scan may be used to investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or fertility concerns. It is performed by trained professionals in a sensitive and respectful manner. 

Your clinician will explain the purpose of the scan and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the process. 

Can ultrasound detect cancer? 

Ultrasound can identify abnormalities such as lumps, masses, or changes in tissue structure. In some cases, these findings may suggest the need for further investigation, such as a biopsy. However, an ultrasound alone cannot always confirm a cancer diagnosis, and additional tests are usually required. 

Can you eat before an ultrasound?

Whether you can eat depends on the type of scan. Some ultrasounds, particularly abdominal scans, require fasting beforehand, while others do not. You will be given clear guidance when your appointment is booked. 

Why might you need a full bladder?

For certain scans, particularly pelvic ultrasounds, a full bladder helps improve image clarity by allowing sound waves to travel more effectively. 

Are ultrasound scans safe?

Ultrasound scans are considered very safe. They do not use radiation and can be performed repeatedly if needed. They are widely used across many areas of healthcare. 

When will you receive your results? 

Results are usually reviewed promptly and shared with your referring clinician. In some cases, findings may be discussed shortly after your scan or during a follow-up appointment. 

Why choose The Harbour Hospital for your ultrasound in Poole? 

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:    

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule 
• Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs   
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end   
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included   
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care 

Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.  

How to book an ultrasound in Poole

Booking an ultrasound at The Harbour 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.