Private ultrasound scans in Surrey

Private ultrasound scanning at The Runnymede Hospital in Surrey 

Ultrasound scans are a safe and effective way to investigate a wide range of symptoms, from pain and swelling to unexplained lumps or changes in your body. It provides real-time imaging, helping clinicians assess how structures inside your body look and function. 

At The Runnymede Hospital, you can access private ultrasound scans in Surrey with fast access to appointments, 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 confidence. 

Your ultrasound scan is performed by experienced healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnostic imaging. They are trained to carry out detailed assessments of scans and ensure high-quality images are captured safely and accurately. 

After your scan, the images are reviewed by your consultant radiologist who prepares a detailed report to support diagnosis and guide your next steps. From your appointment through to receiving your results, the process is designed to be efficient, clear, and reassuring. 

What are the different types of ultrasound available at The Runnymede Hospital?

The Runnymede Hospital offers a range of ultrasound scans tailored to your symptoms and clinical needs. The type of scan you have depends on the area of your body being examined and the information your consultant needs to make a diagnosis. 

Abdominal ultrasound 

An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine organs such as your liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and pancreas. It can help investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or abnormal blood test results, and may identify conditions such as gallstones or inflammation. 

Pelvic ultrasound 

A pelvic ultrasound is used to assess reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries. It is commonly recommended for symptoms such as pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, or to investigate certain gynaecological conditions. 

Musculoskeletal ultrasound 

Musculoskeletal ultrasound examines joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is often used to assess soft tissue injuries, inflammation, or conditions such as tendon damage or bursitis. Because it shows movement in real time, it can help identify the source of pain during activity. 

Vascular ultrasound 

Vascular ultrasound is used to assess blood flow within arteries and veins.  

Soft tissue ultrasound 

Soft tissue ultrasound is used to investigate lumps, swelling, or abnormalities beneath the skin. It helps distinguish between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses, supporting further diagnosis if needed. 

Your clinician will explain which type of ultrasound is most appropriate for you and how it will help investigate your symptoms. 

What can an ultrasound be used to diagnose?

Ultrasound scans are used to investigate a wide range of symptoms and medical concerns. They are particularly useful for assessing soft tissues, fluid-filled structures, and movement within the body. 

Pain and inflammation

Ultrasound can help identify causes of pain, including inflammation in muscles, tendons, or joints. It is commonly used when symptoms persist or do not respond to initial treatment. 

Lumps and abnormalities 

If you notice a lump or swelling, an ultrasound can assess its structure and help determine whether it is fluid-filled or solid. This is often an important first step in identifying what kind of lump or abnormality it is. 

Organ-related conditions

Ultrasound is frequently used to examine internal organs and investigate symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, digestive issues, or abnormal test results. 

Blood flow and circulation 

Vascular ultrasound can assess how blood flows through your vessels, conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or circulation issues. 

Monitoring existing conditions 

Ultrasound may also be used to monitor known conditions or assess how well treatment is working over time. 

While ultrasound provides valuable diagnostic information, it may sometimes be used alongside other imaging tests to give a more complete picture of your health. 

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 Runnymede 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 your ultrasound scan?

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

For certain abdominal scans, you may be asked not to eat for a few hours before your appointment. This helps reduce interference from digestion and improves visibility of your organs. 

For pelvic ultrasounds, you may be asked to drink water beforehand and attend with a full bladder. This helps produce clearer images of the structures being examined. 

You will receive clear instructions before your appointment so you know exactly how to prepare. Following this guidance helps ensure accurate and reliable results. 

What happens during your ultrasound appointment? 

On the day of your appointment, you will be welcomed by a trained clinician who will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

You will be taken to a private examination room where a gel is applied to your skin. This helps the ultrasound probe move smoothly and allows sound waves to pass effectively into your body. 

The clinician will move the probe gently over the area being examined while images appear on a screen in real time. You may be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly to help capture clearer images. 

The scan is painless and usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Once complete, you can return to your normal activities straight away. 

Ultrasound scan FAQs 

Below are answers to some of your most asked questions about ultrasound scans. 

Is an ultrasound scan safe? 

Ultrasound scans are considered very safe and are widely used in medical practice. They do not use radiation, making them suitable for repeated use if needed. 

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. 

How long does it take to get ultrasound results?

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

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?

This depends on the type of scan. Some require fasting beforehand, while others do not. You will be given clear instructions when your appointment is booked. 

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 Runnymede Hospital for your ultrasound scan? 

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 scan in Surrey

Booking an ultrasound at The Runnymede 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.