Ultrasound scans in Sheffield

If you’ve been referred for an ultrasound scan or want to arrange one privately, Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield provides fast, high-quality imaging in a professional, reassuring environment. 

As part of Circle Health Group, Thornbury Hospital offers access to experienced consultant radiologists and specialist sonographers who use the latest ultrasound technology to deliver accurate, detailed results quickly and safely. 

Whether you need an abdominal scan, pelvic scan, pregnancy scan, or soft tissue assessment, our imaging team ensures your experience is smooth, comfortable, and fully explained every step of the way. 

An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures inside your body. It is completely safe and does not involve radiation, making it suitable for people of all ages – including pregnant women. 

During the scan, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on your skin. This device sends sound waves into your body, which bounce back to create real-time moving images displayed on a monitor. 

Ultrasound is commonly used to: 

• Examine abdominal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder 
• Assess the thyroid, lymph nodes, and soft tissues 
• Investigate pelvic pain or reproductive health issues 
• Monitor pregnancy and foetal development 
• Check blood flow and circulation using Doppler ultrasound 
• Guide procedures such as biopsies or injections

At Thornbury Hospital, our expert radiology team performs a wide range of ultrasound scans using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure clear, accurate imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning. 

The cost of a private ultrasound scan at Thornbury Hospital varies depending on the type of scan, the area being examined, and whether it’s performed as part of a wider consultation or diagnostic package. 

Before your appointment, you’ll receive a clear explanation of costs, including consultant or radiologist fees and any related imaging charges. There are no hidden costs – just transparent pricing and clear communication from start to finish. 

If you have private medical insurance, your policy may cover the cost of your ultrasound. For self-paying patients, Circle Health Group offers flexible payment plans and interest-free options, helping you access essential imaging without long delays. 

A transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic scan used to obtain detailed images of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. 

Unlike a standard abdominal ultrasound, where the probe is placed on your skin, a transvaginal ultrasound involves gently inserting a slim, covered transducer into the vagina. This provides a closer view of the pelvic organs and can reveal conditions that may not be visible on an external scan. 

A transvaginal ultrasound can help diagnose or assess: 

• Causes of pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding 
• Ovarian cysts or fibroids 
• Endometriosis or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formally known as PCOS)
• Fertility issues or early pregnancy concerns 
• Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy 

The procedure is safe, quick, and usually takes around 15–20 minutes. Your comfort and privacy are always prioritised, and you can request a female sonographer or a chaperone if you prefer. 

At Thornbury Hospital, all transvaginal ultrasounds are performed by experienced clinicians in a discreet, supportive environment. 

Ultrasound scans can sometimes detect abnormal growths, lumps, or changes in tissue that may suggest cancer, but they are typically used as a first-line diagnostic tool rather than a definitive test. 

Ultrasound is particularly useful for detecting: 

• Breast lumps or cysts 
• Liver or kidney lesions 
• Ovarian or testicular masses 
• Thyroid nodules 
• Soft tissue abnormalities 

If your ultrasound reveals something that needs further investigation, your consultant may recommend additional imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI scan or biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. 

At Thornbury Hospital, you’ll benefit from access to a network of diagnostic services within Circle Health Group, meaning any further tests or follow-ups can be arranged quickly and seamlessly. 

Whether you can eat or drink before an ultrasound depends on the type of scan you’re having: 

• Abdominal ultrasound: You may be asked to fast for around 6 hours before your appointment. This helps reduce gas in the stomach and improves image clarity 
• Pelvic ultrasound: You’ll usually be asked to drink plenty of water before your scan and avoid urinating until after. A full bladder helps push the intestines out of the way, providing a clearer view of the pelvic organs 
• Vascular or soft tissue ultrasound: No special preparation is normally needed 

Your appointment confirmation will include any specific instructions. If you’re unsure, our radiology team will be happy to advise. 

A full bladder helps improve the quality of certain ultrasound images, especially for pelvic scans. When your bladder is full, it acts as an acoustic window, pushing nearby organs (like the uterus or ovaries) into a better position and allowing clearer ultrasound penetration. 

It also helps distinguish the bladder from other pelvic structures and provides a consistent point of reference for the sonographer. 

You’ll typically be asked to drink 4–6 glasses of water around an hour before your appointment and avoid using the bathroom until after your scan. 

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through a handheld transducer. These sound waves travel through your body and bounce back when they encounter tissues or fluids. The returning echoes are converted into moving images by a computer, showing real-time structures inside your body. 

Different tissues reflect sound waves differently — for example, fluid appears dark on the screen, while solid organs appear lighter. This allows clinicians to examine the size, shape, and texture of organs or detect abnormalities such as cysts, stones, or inflammation. 

Because ultrasound doesn’t use ionising radiation, it’s considered one of the safest imaging techniques available, making it ideal for pregnancy and repeated follow-up scans.

Most ultrasound scans at Thornbury Hospital take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the type of scan. 

• Standard abdominal or pelvic scans: around 20 minutes 
• Vascular or Doppler scans: up to 45 minutes 
• Guided procedures (e.g. biopsy): may take slightly longer

You can return to normal activities immediately after your scan. The results are usually reviewed by a consultant radiologist and sent to your referring doctor within a few days. 

If your scan was part of a private consultation, your consultant may discuss your results with you on the same day. 

Sometimes an ultrasound scan is performed after a CT scan to gather more detailed or targeted information about a specific area. 

This might be recommended when: 

• A CT scan identifies a small lesion or mass that requires closer visualisation 
• Further evaluation of blood flow or soft tissue is needed 
• Your consultant wants to use ultrasound to guide a biopsy or drainage procedure

Ultrasound is also often preferred for follow-up imaging because it’s quick, safe, and doesn’t expose you to radiation. 

At Thornbury Hospital, your consultant will discuss the purpose of each test and ensure all imaging is coordinated for the clearest possible diagnostic picture. 

Patients across South Yorkshire choose Thornbury Hospital for ultrasound imaging because of our advanced technology, fast results, and expert radiology team. 

As part of Circle Health Group, we provide: 

• Experienced consultant radiologists and sonographers delivering accurate, reliable results
• State-of-the-art imaging technology for high-quality ultrasound images
• Fast access to appointments, often within just a few days
• Comfortable and private environment for all imaging services
• Clear communication and results, explained by your consultant
• Transparent pricing and flexible payment options

Every scan is performed with your comfort and peace of mind as the top priority. From booking to results, our team ensures your experience is seamless and reassuring. 

To book an ultrasound scan at Thornbury Hospital, you will usually 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 Thornbury and you need an ultrasound, your consultant will refer you to our imaging team to arrange the scan.  
 
If you don’t have a referral but believe you need an ultrasound scan, give us a call to see whether you can arrange one without a referral. You may need to speak to a specialist first.