Fasting

Abdominal Scan


Same Day Appointments
Book today, get scanned today
No GP Referral Needed
Bring one if you have it, don't worry if not
Instant Scan Summary
Scan results summary before you leave
Price
£160
Offpeak
£150
What's included in the Abdominal Scan

Full Abdominal Check: Examines liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen & abdominal aorta
Checks for fatty liver, gallstones, kidney stones, cysts & pain causes
Comprehensive Evaluation: Detailed organ & tissue structure assessment
Formal written ultrasound report in 24 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
About the Abdominal Scan
Our private abdominal ultrasound scan in London offers a fast, safe, and painless way to check the health of your major abdominal organs — the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and abdominal aorta.
Often recommended as a first step for investigating unexplained pain or discomfort, the scan allows our specialists to assess the size, shape, and structure of each organ in detail.
It can help detect and monitor a range of conditions, including gallstones, fatty liver disease, kidney stones, cysts, and abnormal masses or tumours — giving you fast, reliable answers and genuine peace of mind.
Objective of the scan
Our private abdominal scan aims to provide a detailed, organ-by-organ assessment of your upper abdomen — giving you and your doctor a clear picture to work from. This ultrasound scan is suitable for both men and women, and covers each of the following:
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Bile ducts
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Spleen
If you require a focused evaluation of your liver, gallbladder, and biliary system, you can also book a dedicated private liver scan.
Why choose us for your Private Abdominal Scan
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
Liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas where visible, spleen, kidneys and aorta, organ by organ, for a structural cause.
What happens next
A verbal summary before you leave and a written report to you within 24 hours, which you can share with your GP.
What the scan looks for
Gallstones, fatty liver change, an enlarged liver or spleen, and kidney or pancreatic abnormality within the visible field.
What happens next
We talk you through the findings on the day, and your written report follows within 24 hours, ready to share with your GP.
What the scan looks for
Liver texture and size, bile duct width, gallbladder contents, spleen size and kidney appearance behind abnormal bloods.
What happens next
Your written report comes to you within 24 hours, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What the scan looks for
Stones in the gallbladder, gallbladder wall thickening, sludge and any dilatation of the bile ducts draining the liver.
What happens next
A verbal result on the day and a written report to you within 24 hours, which you can share with your GP. Signs of acute inflammation are flagged for same-day medical review.
What the scan looks for
A baseline look at each upper abdominal organ plus the aortic diameter, noting anything that falls outside normal limits.
What happens next
A written report within 24 hours you can keep and share with your GP, with onward imaging suggested only if something needs it.
Please note: This scan can't assess the bowel, the pancreas is often partly hidden by bowel gas, and it can't tell whether a growth is benign or cancerous. Those need endoscopy, CT or MRI, and fasting beforehand gives us the clearest view.
Why do I need a Abdominal Scan?
An abdominal ultrasound helps investigate symptoms or concerns about the organs in your upper abdominal area. Whether your GP has recommended an ultrasound or you want independent diagnostic clarity for peace of mind, an abdominal scan provides a clear, detailed evaluation of your internal health.
Common Reasons to Book an Abdominal Scan:
Unexplained Symptoms: Upper abdominal pain, persistent bloating, indigestion, or stomach discomfort
- Abnormal Test Results: Follow-up investigations for elevated or abnormal Liver Function Tests (LFTs) or blood work.
Liver Health Checks: Liver ultrasound screening for Fatty Liver Disease, enlarged liver size, or abnormal Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Gallbladder Issues: Suspected gallstones, biliary duct blockage, or gallbladder inflammation
Kidney & Urinary Screening: Checks for kidney stones, fluid blockages, or renal cysts
- Family History or Screening: Proactive health monitoring if you have a family history of abdominal conditions or Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peace of Mind: Independent, rapid assessment to gain total reassurance about your internal health without long waiting lists.
Why do I need a Abdominal Scan?
An abdominal ultrasound helps investigate symptoms or concerns about the organs in your upper abdominal area. Whether your GP has recommended an ultrasound or you want independent diagnostic clarity for peace of mind, an abdominal scan provides a clear, detailed evaluation of your internal health.
Common Reasons to Book an Abdominal Scan:
Unexplained Symptoms: Upper abdominal pain, persistent bloating, indigestion, or stomach discomfort
- Abnormal Test Results: Follow-up investigations for elevated or abnormal Liver Function Tests (LFTs) or blood work.
Liver Health Checks: Liver ultrasound screening for Fatty Liver Disease, enlarged liver size, or abnormal Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Gallbladder Issues: Suspected gallstones, biliary duct blockage, or gallbladder inflammation
Kidney & Urinary Screening: Checks for kidney stones, fluid blockages, or renal cysts
- Family History or Screening: Proactive health monitoring if you have a family history of abdominal conditions or Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peace of Mind: Independent, rapid assessment to gain total reassurance about your internal health without long waiting lists.
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
What can the Abdominal Scan detect?
Our comprehensive abdominal ultrasound evaluates key upper abdominal structures to detect a wide variety of conditions, including:
Liver Health: Signs of Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis, focal liver lesions, cysts, or abnormal organ enlargement.
Gallbladder & Bile Ducts: Gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening, inflammation (cholecystitis), biliary sludge, or duct obstruction.
Kidney Health: Kidney stones, renal cysts, fluid buildup (hydronephrosis), or structural abnormalities.
Pancreatic Health: Structural changes, tissue inflammation (pancreatitis), or localized lesions within accessible areas of the pancreas.
Spleen Health: Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) or focal tissue abnormalities.
Abdominal Aorta: Changes in blood vessel diameter, wall irregularities, or early signs of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).
Benefits of the Abdominal Scan
⚡ Zero Waiting Lists & Same-Day Availability: Avoid lengthy waiting times with flexible appointment slots available 6 days a week, including Saturdays. Simply arrive at your scheduled time with zero queues or delay.
🖥️ 4K High-Definition Precision: Watch your scan in real-time on high-resolution 4K screens. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology delivers exceptionally clear imaging of your upper abdominal organs for maximum diagnostic accuracy.
🩺 Expert, Compassionate Care: Your scan is conducted by highly experienced, HCPC-registered healthcare specialists who prioritize your comfort, guiding you gently through every step of your abdominal examination.
📋 Prompt, Direct Results: Receive an immediate verbal overview from your clinician right after your scan, followed by a comprehensive, formal written medical report delivered digitally within 24 hours.
💰 Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Exceptional private healthcare without the premium price tag. Clear, upfront rates with no hidden fees, extra charges, or GP referral costs.
🩸 One-Stop Health Testing: Combine your abdominal ultrasound with comprehensive private blood tests (such as Liver Function Tests or Full Blood Counts) during the same visit for a complete health evaluation under one roof.
📍 Convenient London Location: Situated just a 5-minute walk from Gants Hill Central Line Tube Station with free on-site parking available for hassle-free access.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
Fasting
- You will need to have been fasting from food for at least 6 hours before having this scan, however, you may drink clear fluids such as water.
- If you are diabetic, then maintain your normal food intake but try your best to avoid fatty or dairy products for at least 6 hours before having the scan.
- You may maintain your normal medication regime.
On the day
During the scan, you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, hence we advise to wear suitable loose clothing and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be placed over your skin.
An ultrasound camera (‘probe’) will then be placed on top and moved along and around the area. This results in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor and patient TV which will be translated by the clinical specialist/ medical practitioner.
The ultrasound scan itself usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. At the end of the scan, a verbal summary of the results will be provided, as well as your opportunity to ask any questions.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
More about the Abdominal Scan
Abdominal ultrasound: common findings explained
During an abdominal ultrasound, your clinician evaluates the size, shape, and tissue structure of your upper organs. Here are some of the most common findings identified during a scan and what they mean for your health:
🩺 Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
An accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells, often with few or no early symptoms. Ultrasound detects changes in liver brightness and texture, allowing for early lifestyle intervention before tissue damage progresses. Learn more in our detailed guide on Fatty Liver Disease: The Silent Epidemic.
🟡 Gallstones & Biliary Sludge:
Hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. Ultrasound easily identifies gallstones, wall inflammation, or bile duct blockages that may be causing upper right abdominal pain or indigestion. Read about managing symptoms in our Complete Guide to Gallstones & Diet.
Kidney Stones:
Mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. An ultrasound helps locate stones, assess their relative size, and check if they are causing fluid blockages (hydronephrosis) in the urinary tract.
💧 Organ Cysts & Benign Lesions:
Fluid-filled sacs commonly found on the liver or kidneys. Most cysts are completely harmless (benign) and non-cancerous, but identifying them provides valuable baseline monitoring and immediate peace of mind.
🩸 Abdominal Aortic Changes:
The abdominal aorta is the main blood vessel supplying blood to the lower body. Ultrasound measures its diameter to screen for localized wall weakness or swelling (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm).
📚 Want to learn more about maintaining your internal health? Explore expert clinical advice, lifestyle tips, and condition guides in our Health Hub.
What patients say
Rated excellent (4.9) on Google.
Common Questions
How much is a private abdominal ultrasound in London?
The price of a private abdominal ultrasound varies depending on what’s being investigated and the reason for your scan, but on average, you can expect to pay around £185 in London. Our scan is £150 during off peak hours and £160 during peak hours.
What does an abdominal scan show?
The scan images the major organs of the upper abdomen — the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, IVC and aorta. It can reveal changes in the size or shape of these organs, as well as aneurysms and abnormal masses such as tumours or cysts.
What cancers can an abdominal ultrasound detect?
An ultrasound can’t diagnose cancer on its own, but it can identify abnormal growths within the organs of the upper abdomen — including possible tumours in the pancreas, gallbladder, or liver. If anything unusual is found, further tests would be needed to confirm whether it’s cancerous.
Can abdominal ultrasound detect bowel problems?
Our abdominal scan isn’t designed to pick up bowel problems, though other specialised scans can help detect issues such as bowel inflammation — just ask our team for guidance on the right test for you.
Do tumours show up on abdominal ultrasound?
Yes — ultrasound scans can show tumours and other abnormal growths, such as cysts. Further tests would then be needed to confirm the nature of any growth found.
Do they tell you the results of the ultrasound scan straight away?
Your scan itself typically takes around 20 minutes. You’ll receive a verbal summary straight away, with a detailed written report following within 24 hours.
By comparison, NHS results are often not available for a week or more after your scan.
What are the limitations of the scan?
In most instances, the scans provide a good picture of the organs and structures in the abdomen, it does however have some limitations that you should be aware of before going for the test:
- Trapped air or gas can obstruct the view of some organs
- Abdominal fat tissue can prevent sound waves from penetrating
- The intestines may get in the way and prevent clear visualisation of abdominal structures
If there are concerns about such interference with the result of the scan, it may be recommended that you have a different test, such as an MRI or a CT scan.
Book your Abdominal Scan
Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East, with a verbal summary before you leave.
Off-peak discount is applied automatically at checkout. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find our scan clinic in East London
Our private ultrasound clinic in East London is a 5-minute walk from Gants Hill station on the Central line.
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. If you have a referral letter, please bring it, as it gives us useful medical background. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.

More about the Abdominal Scan
Learn more about this scan, the areas it covers and ultrasound in general in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub


