Ultrasound in Beckenham

Private ultrasound scans at The Sloane Hospital in Beckenham, Bromley

Ultrasound is a safe and widely used imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. It can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, monitor existing problems and provide reassurance when you have unexplained symptoms.

At The Sloane Hospital in Beckenham, private ultrasound scans are carried out by experienced sonographers and radiologists using modern imaging equipment. You will receive a clear explanation of your scan, a timely written report and, where appropriate, onward referral or follow-up with a specialist.

Choosing a private ultrasound in Beckenham and the wider Bromley area can give you fast access to diagnostic tests, helping you get answers and plan any further treatment without unnecessary delay.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan (also known as sonography) is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, making it a safe option for many people, including pregnant women.

During an ultrasound:

• A small handheld device called a probe is moved over your skin
• A layer of gel is applied to help the sound waves pass from the probe into your body
• The probe sends out sound waves and picks up the echoes that bounce back
• A computer converts these echoes into moving images on a screen

Ultrasound can be used to examine many parts of the body, including:

• Abdomen (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen)
• Pelvis (uterus, ovaries, bladder, prostate)
• Blood vessels (arteries and veins)
• Muscles, tendons and soft tissues
• Thyroid gland and other superficial structures
• Pregnancy and the developing baby

Your scan at The Sloane Hospital will be tailored to the area your doctor wants to investigate and the questions they need to answer.

How does an ultrasound work?

Ultrasound works by using high-frequency sound waves that you cannot hear. The basic steps are:

• The ultrasound probe sends sound waves into your body
• These waves bounce off internal structures such as organs, tissues and fluids, creating echoes
• The probe detects these echoes and sends the information to a computer
• The computer processes the data and displays moving images on a screen for the sonographer or doctor to interpret

Different tissues reflect sound waves in different ways, which helps distinguish between structures and identify any abnormalities. Doppler ultrasound is a special technique that looks at blood flow through vessels, helping to assess issues such as narrowing, blockages or clots.

How will I know I need an ultrasound?

You may be referred for an ultrasound scan if you have symptoms or findings that need further investigation. Common reasons include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain, to look at organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, uterus or ovaries
• Lumps or swelling, for example in the neck, groin, testicles or soft tissues
• Changes in urination, to assess the bladder or kidneys
• Irregular or heavy periods, to examine the uterus and ovaries
• Early pregnancy symptoms or concerns, to confirm pregnancy or check how it is progressing
• Vascular symptoms, such as leg swelling or suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), using Doppler ultrasound

You might be advised to have an ultrasound by:

• Your GP
• Another hospital consultant, for example a gynaecologist, urologist or gastroenterologist
• A specialist you are already seeing privately

In some cases, you may also be able to self-refer for certain types of ultrasound, depending on hospital policy. The team at The Sloane Hospital can advise you on whether a referral is required for the specific scan you need.

If you are unsure whether ultrasound is the right test for you, your doctor or a specialist at The Sloane Hospital can discuss your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate investigations.

How to book an ultrasound in Beckenham, Bromley

Booking an ultrasound at The Sloane 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.

How much does an ultrasound cost at The Sloane Hospital?

The cost of a private ultrasound scan at The Sloane Hospital in Beckenham depends on:

• The type of scan you need, for example abdominal, pelvic, vascular or musculoskeletal
• Whether more than one area is being scanned in the same appointment
• Whether any additional imaging or tests are required

Once the required scan has been confirmed, you will be given clear information about the price before your appointment is booked. If you are self-funding, this will usually include:

• The hospital imaging fee
• The reporting fee for the radiologist or reporting clinician

The Sloane Hospital is committed to transparent pricing. The team can explain exactly what your quotation includes and highlight any potential additional costs if further scans or tests are recommended after your initial appointment.

If you have private medical insurance, many ultrasound scans are covered when they are requested by a consultant or GP, but you should always check with your insurer first. They may ask for a referral letter and a procedure code before confirming your cover.

If you are paying for your own scan, the hospital can also discuss payment options and how to settle your account in a way that is convenient for you.

What does a transvaginal ultrasound show?

A transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic scan that provides detailed images of the female reproductive organs from inside the vagina. It is often used when a standard pelvic ultrasound performed on the abdomen does not give enough information, or when very clear images are needed.

A transvaginal ultrasound can help assess:

• The uterus, including the lining known as the endometrium
• The ovaries and surrounding structures
• The cervix
• The presence of ovarian cysts, fibroids or other abnormalities
• The cause of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding
• Early pregnancy, including the location and development of the pregnancy

During the scan:

• You will usually be asked to empty your bladder
• You will lie on an examination couch, often with your knees bent
• A thin, covered probe is gently inserted into the vagina
• The sonographer moves the probe slightly to obtain clear images on the screen

The procedure typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. It should not be painful, although you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort. The sonographer will explain each step and stop if you are uncomfortable.

Transvaginal ultrasound is a common and important tool in gynaecological and early pregnancy assessment, and it does not use radiation.

Can ultrasound detect cancer?

Ultrasound can sometimes detect changes that may be due to cancer, such as:

• Unusual lumps or masses in organs or soft tissues
• Abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, pancreas or other structures
• Suspicious features in the breast, thyroid, testicles or lymph nodes

However, ultrasound alone cannot usually confirm whether a finding is cancerous. In many cases, if an abnormality is seen on ultrasound, further tests may be recommended, such as:

• Blood tests
• MRI or CT scans
• Mammography for breast concerns
• Biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken to examine under a microscope

Ultrasound is an important first-line imaging test because it is widely available, does not involve radiation and can provide useful information quickly. If your scan at The Sloane Hospital shows something that needs further investigation, your doctor will talk you through the next steps and arrange appropriate follow-up.

Can you eat before an ultrasound?

Whether you can eat or drink before your ultrasound scan depends on the type of scan you are having.

When you book your ultrasound at The Sloane Hospital, you will be given specific instructions about any preparation needed. It is important to follow these carefully, as they help ensure the scan is as accurate and informative as possible.

If you have diabetes, take regular medication or have any concerns about fasting, let the booking team or your doctor know so they can advise you individually.

Why do you need a full bladder for an ultrasound?

For certain types of pelvic ultrasound, particularly scans performed through the lower abdomen, a full bladder is often required. This is because:

• A full bladder pushes the bowel out of the way, reducing the amount of gas and allowing clearer views of the uterus and ovaries
• The fluid in the bladder acts as a good acoustic window for the ultrasound waves, helping to produce sharper images

You will usually be asked to:

• Empty your bladder a set time before the scan
• Drink a specified amount of water
• Avoid going to the toilet until after the scan, if possible

If your bladder is not full enough when you arrive, you may be asked to drink more water and wait a short while before your scan can be completed. The team at The Sloane Hospital will explain what is needed and support you through the process.

For transvaginal ultrasound, a full bladder is not required. You are usually asked to empty your bladder beforehand to make the scan more comfortable and effective.