Finchley Road
Finchley Road & Frognal
More information about our Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound Service
What is ultrasound scanning?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate an image for the assessment, diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions. It is most commonly used in monitoring pregnant women; however, because it is safe, painless and non-invasive, it has also become the diagnostic imaging method of choice for various body regions.
How safe is ultrasound?
There are no known adverse effects with ultrasound and it is considered a very safe procedure. Indeed, an eight-year study at the University of Western Australia published in the Lancet found that multiple prenatal ultrasound scans had no adverse effects on child development. Patients should not experience pain or discomfort during a scan.
When is the service available and who can make use of it?
We run an in-house ultrasound clinic offering a wide range of scans every Friday. Appointments for this service must be pre-booked. We do not require a referral from your doctor if you are well. However, we do require a referral from your doctor if you are symptomatic or have a previous history of a condition for which you wish to be assessed. If you wish we can ask one of our in-house doctors to assess the need for the ultrasound and refer you. This service costs £75.
What does the scanning procedure involve?
After a discussion of any medical circumstances or history relevant to the scan, you will be asked to lie on the examination couch and to remove clothes away from the area being scanned. The lights may be dimmed to avoid glare on the monitoring screen. Gel will then applied directly onto the skin in the area to be scanned. This gel allows the sound waves to be transmitted into the body more effectively, and allows the scanning probe to move more easily across your skin. Scans normally take in the region of 30 minutes (although this will vary according to the complexity and findings of the scan). We have strict procedures and protocols in place to ensure safe working practices to the highest ethical standard. A chaperone will be present as required.
What happens after the scan?
You will receive a report on your scan within a week. If your scan is abnormal, a detailed report will be sent to your doctor. We also have a referral system to specialists for further evaluation as necessary.
Scans and Prices
We offer a wide range of scans as follows:
| Obstetrics (Pregnancy) Scans | Cost: £95 to £120 |
| A Full Range of Obstetrics Ultrasounds | Appointment length: 30 to 45 mins |
|
Ultrasound scans are useful in every trimester of pregnancy.
In the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) they are useful to assess whether the foetus is alive and viable (Viability Scan; £95). In the second trimester (14 to 26 weeks) they are useful to assess whether there are any abnormalities that should be of concern (Anomaly Scan; £115). In the final trimester (27-40 weeks) ultrasound is a good way to monitor growth (Growth Scan; £115). In weeks 20 to 36 it can also be used to try to determine the sex of your baby (Gender Scan; £120). Note that, there may be times at which it is difficult to clearly visualise the gender of your baby (usually due to baby position); thus repeat scans (which will be free of charge) may be necessary. |
Preparation: For first trimester ultrasounds, drink at least a litre of fluid one hour before the examination. Otherwise, no preparation required. |
| Upper Abdominal Scan | Cost: £135 |
| Ultrasound scan of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| This scan assesses the size shape, size, outline and echo pattern of various abdominal organs. We are able to pickup and detect different disease processes such as kidney stones, pancreatic lesions or cysts, hepatic cysts, gallbladder disease, polyps, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation and many other diseases. | Preparation: Fast for 8 hours prior to scan (nothing to eat or drink) |
| Renal (Kidney) Scan | Cost: £120 |
| Renal Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder with an assessment of how well the bladder empties after passing urine. Useful to check kidneys for hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease and renal tumours or injuries, and to assess the bladder for causes of haematuria or urine retention. This scan also includes an ultrasound scan of the prostate in male patients. | Preparation: Drink at least a litre of fluid one hour before the examination. |
| Female Pelvic Scan | Cost: £115 |
| Female Pelvic (Gynaecological) Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of pelvis, ovaries and uterus. This scan is mainly done to assess the cause of pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal bleeding and fertility problems. Ultrasound can also be used for the assessment of ovarian problems such as cysts, ovarian masses and endometriomas. | Preparation: Drink at least a litre of fluid one hour before the examination. |
| Transvaginal Scan | Cost: £125 |
| Female Gynaecological Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes (if visible), the endometrial lining and surrounding areas. This type of scan is useful as a diagnostic tool to exclude ectopic pregnancy, to scan for endometrial pathology (e.g. polyps and hyperplasia) and to exclude any pelvic pathology in instances of infertility. | Preparation: Patient should present with empty bladder. |
| Male Pelvic Scan | Cost: £95 |
| Male Pelvic (Bladder and Prostate) Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of bladder and prostate (useful to assess prostate size to rule out benign prostatic hypertrophy). | Preparation: Drink at least a litre of fluid one hour before the examination. |
| Vascular (Blood vessels) Scan | Cost: £110 per investigation |
| Various Vascular Ultrasounds | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Scan of the carotid (neck) arteries for hardening of arteries OR Scan of the abdominal aorta for aneurysm OR Scan of the deep veins for DVT. | Preparation: None |
| Thyroid Scan | Cost: £110 |
| Thyroid Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland will detect any swellings or cysts. | Preparation: None |
| Testicular Scan | Cost: £115 |
| Testicular Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of the testicles. Problems that can be detected include hydrocele, cysts, spermatocele, lesions/masses and epididymorchitis. | Preparation: None |
| Musculoskeletal Scan | Cost: £155 to £190 |
| Musculoskeletal Ultrasound | Appointment length: 30 to 45 mins |
| Ultrasound scan of the shoulders (£190), wrists (£155), ankles (£175), hands (£155), feet (£165), knee (£185) or hip joints (£170). This is generally useful in the investigation of pain, trauma and sports injuries, and specifically in the investigation of possible tendon tears, osteoarthritis, swollen joints and lumps in superficial tissue. | Preparation: None. |
Other scans may also be available on request; however, please note we do not offer breast or nuchal scans (for Downs Syndrome) at present.
Please do not hesitate to email us at enquiries@doctortoday.co.uk or call us on 020 7433 1444 if you have any further questions or wish to make an appointment for an ultrasound scan.
