Dr David Glenn
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, is a safe and painless diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of your body.
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds do not use radiation, making them a safer option for various patient groups, including pregnant women and children.
When is an Ultrasound Needed?
Ultrasounds are versatile and are often used to diagnose or monitor a range of medical conditions.
Pregnancy
To monitor fetal development and assess the baby’s health.
Pelvic Concerns
For issues involving the uterus, ovaries, or prostate.
Heart Conditions
Through echocardiography, ultrasounds can examine heart function and structure.
Abdominal Issues
To evaluate organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, and bladder.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
To assess joints, tendons, and muscles for injuries or abnormalities.
Blood Flow Issues
Doppler ultrasounds evaluate blood circulation, helping diagnose conditions like deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease.
Common Ultrasound Examinations
- General abdominal/pelvic (tummy)
- Musculoskeletal
- Colour Doppler scanning (shows blood flow)
- Peripheral vascular regions such as leg and neck arteries
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Costs
Costs can vary depending on the procedure and your personal treatment plan. We’ll give you a clear price guide upfront and explain what’s included.
Flexible payment options are available to help spread the cost. Our team is here to answer questions and help you choose the best way to pay.
Steps to get started
Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.
If you’re using health insurance
Check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself or using a payment plan
We’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Book an Appointment
To make things easier, you can book a new consultation appointment online.
Our Locations
Quality care, wherever you are. Get directions to all our locations.
Meet Our Ultrasound Consultants
At Kingsbridge, you’ll be in the expert hands of over 300 of the UK and Ireland’s top consultants.
What to Expect Before, During, and After an Ultrasound?
Knowing what happens at each stage of an ultrasound can help you feel prepared and more at ease. Here’s what you can expect:
Before
Depending on the type of ultrasound, you may need to follow specific instructions, such as fasting for several hours or drinking water to fill your bladder.
Once at the imaging center or hospital, you will be asked to lie on an examination table. A technician or radiologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions.
During
A special gel is applied to your skin over the area being examined. This gel helps transmit sound waves more effectively.
The technician will use a handheld device called a transducer, which emits sound waves and captures the echoes as they bounce back from your internal structures. The transducer is gently moved over your skin to obtain the best images.
The sound waves are converted into images displayed on a monitor. The technician may ask you to change positions or hold your breath momentarily to get clearer images.
Most ultrasounds take 15-30 minutes, though more complex exams may take longer.
After
You can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. A radiologist will analyse the images and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.