Non-invasive imaging to help diagnose your symptoms
No x-rays or any type of ionising radiation is involved.
Ultrasound imaging (sonography) is a non-invasive technique used to take pictures of your internal organs in order to help diagnose the symptoms you have been experiencing.
No x-rays or any type of ionising radiation is involved and for this reason, it is considered very safe.
The technology is also used during pregnancy; more information about this can be found on our Pregnancy Ultrasound page.
No NHS referral required to book
Medical Ultrasounds can examine many areas of the body, which can help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions. Some of the most common uses of ultrasound scans are:
Abdominal health – Examines organs like the liver, kidneys, and gall bladder for signs of disease or injury.
Cardiac assessment – Detects heart conditions, including abnormalities and blood flow issues.
Vascular health – Identifies blood clots, blockages, or aneurysms within blood vessels.
Thyroid and neck examination – Assesses the thyroid gland and nearby lymph nodes for abnormalities or growths.
Musculoskeletal imaging – Diagnoses soft tissue injuries, including muscles, tendons, and joints.
Breast imaging – Assesses breast tissue for lumps or abnormalities.
Many people are referred for Ultrasound Scans by their GP, but this isn’t a necessary step if you are looking for a quick assessment for your symptoms, to ease your mind.
A Doppler Ultrasound can look for the presence of deep venous thrombosis
A Doppler Ultrasound Scan assesses the amount of blood flowing through blood vessels in the arteries and veins in the legs. A Doppler Ultrasound, combined with a regular Ultrasound, takes images of the lower limbs to enable doctors to evaluate how well the blood is circulating and to look for the presence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) clots.
This type of scanning is used when a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is suspected. A DVT occurs when a large clot forms in a vein in the leg, restricting or stopping blood flow. If you have been experiencing pain or swelling of the calves or ankles then you can request a Doppler Ultrasound Scan to diagnose or rule out a DVT.
A Doppler Ultrasound Scan can also assess blood flow through the arteries in the legs, to look for areas of atherosclerosis, which is when fatty substances cause arteries to narrow. Atherosclerosis can cause Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), which can cause leg pain as the blood supply to the legs is restricted. A Doppler Scan can also evaluate the effect of arterial grafts.
We work with all major private medical insurance companies
At Pall Mall we work with all of the major private medical insurance companies. You may be able to cover the cost of a private ultrasound using your medical insurance policy.
However, make sure to always contact your insurance company before booking an appointment. They’ll check to see whether your policy covers this service at Pall Mall and they can pre-authorise your consultation.
When you contact us, you’ll need to provide your insurance details and pre-authorisation code.
Our private healthcare services provide fast, direct access to expert Ultrasound diagnostics, with experienced GPs available to offer guidance and recommendations.
Skip the long waiting times and get the care you need when you need it, with no referral required.
Ultrasounds are commonly used to diagnose or monitor conditions affecting various organs and tissues. Our GPs can provide guidance on whether you need an ultrasound to diagnose the cause of any medical problems - here are some signs that may indicate the need for a medical ultrasound scan.
If you're experiencing unexplained or chronic pain, especially in areas like the abdomen, pelvis, or chest, an ultrasound can help identify potential causes like organ issues, cysts, or injuries.
If you notice unusual lumps or swelling in areas such as the breasts, testicles, or neck, an ultrasound can assess whether these are benign or require further investigation.
Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, digestive problems, or abnormal urinary or menstrual patterns could point to issues with internal organs like the liver, kidneys, or reproductive system.
If you experience symptoms of blood flow problems, such as swelling, pain, or cramping in your legs, a Doppler ultrasound can check for conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial blockages.
An Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive scan that generally takes 15 to 45 minutes
An Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure that can take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area(s) being scanned. During an Ultrasound scan, you can generally expect the following:
Preparation: Depending on the area being examined, you might need to fast (refrain from eating or drinking) or drink water beforehand.
Positioning: The sonographer will ask you to lie in a position that allows them easy access to the area being scanned.
Gel application: The sonographer applies a water-based gel to improve sound wave transmission and image clarity.
Scanning process: A handheld device called a transducer is gently moved over the skin, emitting sound waves that create images of the inside of your body on a monitor.
Results review: After the scan, the images are reviewed by a specialist, who will share the results with you and talk you through any next steps.
An Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive scan that generally takes 15 to 45 minutes
The biggest benefit of choosing a private provider like Pall Mall for your Ultrasound Scan is there’s no long waiting time for an appointment. The current waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led NHS treatments is up to 18 weeks; at Pall Mall, you can book an appointment for the same week.
You also don’t need a referral from your GP, giving you direct access to our diagnostic services and further shortening the time it takes to resolve any medical concerns you have. However, you might like to book a consultation with one of our private GPs who will be able to advise you about different types of scans and how they may be beneficial for your own diagnosis.
Our private clinics provide state-of-the-art technology and access to specialist medical professionals, ensuring comprehensive care and support. We can promptly address any health concerns and give you fast, clear results, enabling quicker decision-making for any necessary treatment.
Private medical care owned and led by doctors
Care Quality Commission Regulated
State-of-the-art facilities
No waiting lists
Rated 4.95 by our patients
No referrals required
Our expert team is always on hand to answer any questions you may have - you can find answers to some of the most common questions about ultrasound scans below.
No, an ultrasound is a painless procedure. The gel that the sonographer applies to your skin may feel a little cold, and you may feel some pressure from the transducer, but you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort.
The preparation will depend on the type of scan you’re having.
Some abdominal scans may require you to refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 12 hours prior to the procedure. Others, such as pelvic scans, may require a full bladder to get the clearest results, so you may be asked to drink plenty of water before the scan. If you’re asked to fast prior to the scan, you will be able to eat and drink as normal straight after.
Our Patient Coordinators will guide you through the process and give you all the information you need to help you prepare for your ultrasound scan.
The scan will take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area(s) being scanned.
The sonographer will be able to review the images from the scan during the procedure and will discuss any findings with you in person. We aim to get a written report of your results to you within a week.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows us to access the area being scanned easily.
Depending on the type of scan, we may ask you to change into a gown beforehand. We also advise removing any jewellery, such as body piercings, in the area being scanned, as it can interfere with the quality of the images. This ensures that the ultrasound technician can obtain the clearest, most accurate results.
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.
You can expect the utmost care from the moment you walk through the entrance of any Pall Mall clinic - not to mention qualified advice from the second you make your initial enquiry.
If you are eager to learn more about Private Ultrasound Scans at Pall Mall, get in touch using one of the methods below.
