An ultrasound scan consists of using high frequency sound waves throughout the body, providing highly detailed images of soft tissue.
An ultrasound scan can show high quality, real-time imaging which is captured through the use of high frequency sound waves showing the inside of your body. A probe is brushed along the skin emitting sound waves into the body. The sound waves bounce off internal organs, sending a signal to a computer via a microphone. Once this process happens the picture is displayed.
Ultrasound scans can provide crucial information for diagnosing various health conditions, and can help inform appropriate treatment. You may be recommended to get an ultrasound scan to diagnose a number of conditions that affect the organs and soft tissue in the body such as:
They can also be used during pregnancy to assess the health of the developing baby, and can be used to help guide biopsies.
We offer 3 different types of ultrasound scans that are used dependent on which part of the body is being scanned and why. The three types of ultrasound scans are external, internal and endoscopic.
An external ultrasound scan is performed by a probe being moved over the skin to examine organs, tissue, muscles and joints. Sound waves are used to produce high-quality images. External ultrasound scans are also used for scanning during pregnancy.
A lubricating gel is applied to the skin where the scan is taking place to allow smooth movement and continuous contact.
An internal ultrasound allows doctors to examine more closely inside the body at organs such as the ovaries or womb. Internal ultrasound scans are often used for early pregnancy scanning.
This is performed at the woman’s ultrasound centre or with a consultant gynaecologist at 25 Harley Street. The internal scan is a transvaginal ultrasound scan: a probe with a sterile cover will be inserted and the images are transmitted to a monitor.
An endoscopic ultrasound scan is performed by inserting a endoscope through the mouth down towards the stomach. This type of scan examines areas such as your stomach and oesophagus.
Once inserted sound waves are used to create high quality images that are shown on the computer.
During an endoscopic exam local anesthetic spray is used to numb your throat.
Depending on your type of ultrasound, you may have to prepare by not drinking or eating for some time beforehand. For a pelvic ultrasound, you will be asked not to go to the toilet until after your scan. These steps can help improve the quality of the scan.
Your ultrasound should only take between 15 and 30 minutes. It will take place in the radiology department at our clinic on Harley Street.
During the scan, a lubricating gel will be applied to the part of your body being scanned and the radiographer will move a small probe around. External ultrasounds are non invasive and shouldn’t cause any discomfort. Internal and endoscopic ultrasounds may cause some discomfort, but do not last very long. You should be fine to drive and go back to work as soon as the ultrasound is over.
Internal ultrasound scans are performed at our Women’s Health Clinic at 25 Harley Street. Other ultrasound scans are performed at our diagnostics and imaging department, at 9 Harley Street. You can expect to receive the highest standard of care and expertise when you visit us for your scan.
If you have been recommended by a doctor or GP to get an ultrasound scan, you can phone our bookings team at 0207 079 2102 to book an appointment. You can reach our Bookings Team on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
Alternatively, you can fill in the enquiry form below and a member of the team will get in touch to answer your query and get you booked in.
