Private Ultrasound Scans

Ultrasound is a non-invasive technology which directs harmless, high-frequency sound waves into your body. It’s highly effective, and used extensively for a range of medical concerns. Please note that as a specialist provider of diagnostics, Nottingham Ear & Scan Clinic does not currently offer pregnancy-related ultrasound services. 

During your scan, the technician or sonographer will use a small, handheld device emitting high-frequency sound waves, which can’t be heard by the human ear. The sound waves bounce off your organs and create echoes which are picked up by the device, sent to a computer and turned into live, moving images which can be recorded and shared with your doctor. 

Ultrasound scans are useful for examining many parts of the body.  Key areas where ultrasound is particularly appropriate are 

• urology, including problems with the bladder and kidneys 
• gynaecology 
• pelvis and abdomen, including prostate and testicular issues, abdominal and hip pain 
• thyroid 
• neck 
• musculoskeletal (MSK) 
• soft tissue 

Ultrasound is often a good choice for early diagnosis of a wide range of conditions. The technique captures highly detailed images of the soft tissues that don’t appear clearly on x-rays, and allows the patient and practitioner to see images in real time.

A private ultrasound scan is also: safe, using only harmless, high-frequency sound waves; relaxed and comfortable, allowing you to stay fully awake throughout; convenient and accessible, with appointments available at short notice; affordable, with our ultrasound scanning service starting at £245.

The procedure varies depending on which body part is being scanned, but where the probe is applied over your skin, the general routine is this: you’ll lie on your side or back on a comfortable table; the technician or sonographer will apply gel to the area under examination. The gel won’t harm your skin or stain your clothes. 

The sonographer will move the hand-held transducer or probe over the gel to get the images we’re looking for. You’ll be asked to remain still, or hold your breath for a short time.

Once we have all the images we need, the gel will be wiped off. In most cases, there are no after effects and you can go straight home. 

You can drive, eat and drink as normal immediately, except in cases where we’ve used a sedative. We’ll make sure you know in advance if this is likely.   

An external ultrasound involves a sonographer applying a lubricating gel to the ultrasound probe and moving it across your skin. Internal ultrasound scan probes are smaller in size, and are inserted into your body either as a transvaginal, transrectal, or endoscopic ultrasound. 

The reason for each scan will depend on the body part and health condition being investigated. While an internal scan might be a little more uncomfortable, it is a quick, non-invasive scan, and negative after-effects are uncommon.

Yes. There are no known risks from ultrasound waves, and unlike some other scans, like x-rays, there’s no exposure to radiation.

Preparing for an ultrasound scan depends on several factors, including the body area under examination. While for many types of ultrasound scan no special preparation is necessary, for others you might be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your scan, or to fill your bladder by drinking water.  Most individual ultrasound scans take around 15-20 minutes.

After your scan, a specialist radiographer or Consultant Radiologist  will examine your images, and compile a report of their findings.

The specialist radiographer will then send your results to our team of doctors after your scan.

Your doctor will provide a post-scan consultation call to explain the results and next steps, usually within 3 days of your scan date.