Abdominal Ultrasound in London: Private Doctor-Performed Scan With Same-Day Results
Medically reviewed by The Online GP by The Wellness clinical team. Last updated May 2026.
The Online GP by The Wellness performs private abdominal ultrasound from our Marylebone clinic, inside the Harley Street medical district. A standalone abdominal ultrasound starts from £795 as a single-region consultant-led scan. Our Executive Body Scan at £4,995 includes comprehensive abdominal ultrasound alongside echocardiogram, carotid Doppler, thyroid scan, AAA screening, body composition analysis and an extensive 40 plus marker blood panel with a 45-minute doctor consultation. All scans performed by GMC-registered doctors with same-day interpretation.
For private abdominal ultrasound in London in 2026, The Online GP by The Wellness ranks among the leading doctor-led providers. The same GMC-registered doctor takes the history, performs the scan, interprets findings in real time and explains results in the same visit.
Book an abdominal ultrasound on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging investigation using high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time pictures of the structures inside the abdomen. A standard abdominal ultrasound assesses the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta and major abdominal lymph nodes. It is non-invasive, painless and uses no radiation. The scan takes 20 to 40 minutes and requires fasting for 6 hours beforehand for optimal gallbladder visualisation.
When Is an Abdominal Ultrasound Needed?
An abdominal ultrasound is indicated for a wide range of common clinical presentations and screening contexts.
Right upper quadrant pain or suspected gallstones. The standard first-line investigation for gallbladder disease.
Abnormal liver function tests. Where ALT, AST, GGT or bilirubin are raised on blood testing, ultrasound assesses for fatty liver (steatosis), cirrhosis, masses or biliary obstruction.
Suspected fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now estimated to affect around 1 in 3 UK adults and is detectable on ultrasound.
Abnormal kidney function tests or suspected renal pathology. Ultrasound assesses for kidney size, structural abnormality, cysts, masses, hydronephrosis and stones.
Abdominal pain of unclear cause.
Suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm. The NHS screens men aged 65 once. Earlier and repeated screening is appropriate for those with family history.
Palpable abdominal mass.
Routine executive health screening. As part of an Executive Body Scan or comprehensive private health check.
Surveillance of known liver, kidney or pancreatic conditions.
What Conditions Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Detect?
A consultant-led abdominal ultrasound is the standard imaging or a key investigation for the following conditions.
Gallbladder disease including gallstones, gallbladder polyps, cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) and gallbladder masses. Liver disease including fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatic cysts, haemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia and primary or metastatic liver masses. Pancreatic abnormalities including pancreatic masses, pseudocysts and dilation of the pancreatic duct (note that the pancreas can be partially obscured by overlying bowel gas, in which case CT or MRI may be needed for full assessment). Kidney disease including renal cysts, simple and complex, kidney stones, hydronephrosis (urine backup), renal masses and structural anomalies. Spleen disease including splenomegaly and masses. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. Free fluid in the abdomen (ascites). Enlarged abdominal lymph nodes.
Findings on abdominal ultrasound directly inform clinical management. Symptomatic gallstones may warrant cholecystectomy. Significant fatty liver triggers metabolic intervention. An expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm triggers surveillance or vascular surgical assessment. A solid renal mass warrants urgent further imaging and urology referral.
Discuss an abdominal ultrasound on WhatsApp.
How Much Does an Abdominal Ultrasound Cost in London?
A private abdominal ultrasound starts from £795 at The Online GP by The Wellness, consultant-led, doctor-performed, with same-day results. Across central London, a private abdominal ultrasound typically costs between £250 at high-street sonographer-led imaging chains through to £950 plus at consultant-led Harley Street clinics.
The £795 standalone price at The Online GP by The Wellness reflects doctor-performed delivery with same-day interpretation rather than sonographer-performed with separate consultant report turned around days later. The Executive Body Scan at £4,995 includes comprehensive abdominal ultrasound plus echocardiogram, carotid Doppler, thyroid scan, AAA screening, body composition analysis and a 45-minute doctor consultation alongside 40 plus blood markers, delivering the most thorough single-visit health assessment in our range.
What Happens on the Day?
You are asked to fast for 6 hours before the appointment (water permitted) to optimise gallbladder visualisation. Continue regular medications. On arrival you are taken into a consulting room, history is reviewed, and you are asked to lie on the examination couch. Conductive gel is applied across the abdomen and the doctor moves the ultrasound probe across each region in turn. You may be asked to change position (supine, left lateral, right lateral) and to hold your breath briefly at certain points to optimise imaging windows.
The scan takes 20 to 40 minutes. Findings are explained immediately. A written report is provided. If part of a broader Executive Body Scan, additional imaging and bloods are performed in the same visit and results integrated into the final report and consultation.
Is the Scan Safe and Are There Any Risks?
An abdominal ultrasound is completely safe. It uses no radiation and no contrast injection. There are no contraindications. The only sensation is cool conductive gel and gentle pressure from the probe. Pregnant women, children and adults of any age can undergo abdominal ultrasound.
When Does Abdominal Ultrasound Have Limitations?
The pancreas, parts of the bowel and retroperitoneal structures can be partially obscured by overlying gas. Where pancreatic pathology is strongly suspected or where ultrasound findings are ambiguous, cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI is the preferred investigation. The Online GP by The Wellness has established referral pathways into private radiology centres for onward CT or MRI where required.
What If the Scan Finds Something Abnormal?
Most abdominal ultrasounds either confirm normal structure (providing reassurance) or detect benign findings (simple renal cysts, gallbladder polyps under 10mm, mild hepatic steatosis) that need either no action or routine monitoring. Where significant findings are identified, the doctor explains them, places them in context, and arranges onward referral as appropriate. The Online GP by The Wellness has established referral pathways into private hepatology, gastroenterology, urology and vascular surgery.
Why Choose The Online GP by The Wellness?
Doctor-performed scans. The doctor performs the scan, interprets findings in real time and explains results in the same visit. No deferred reporting.
Single-visit comprehensive assessment when needed. Standalone abdominal ultrasound from £795. Executive Body Scan at £4,995 covers abdominal alongside cardiac, vascular and thyroid imaging plus extensive bloods.
Clear published pricing with no surprise add-ons.
Marylebone clinic inside the Harley Street medical district.
Same-day availability before midday on weekdays.
How to Book
Enquire on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an abdominal ultrasound cost?
From £795 at The Online GP by The Wellness, consultant-led, doctor-performed, with same-day results. Or included within the Executive Body Scan at £4,995 alongside cardiac, vascular and thyroid imaging plus 40 plus blood markers.
Do I need to fast before an abdominal ultrasound?
Yes. Fast for 6 hours before the appointment (water permitted) to optimise gallbladder visualisation. Continue regular medications. We confirm fasting requirements when booking.
How long does the scan take?
20 to 40 minutes. Findings are explained immediately in the same visit.
Is an abdominal ultrasound safe?
Yes. No radiation, no contrast injection, no contraindications. Safe at any age and during pregnancy.
What does an abdominal ultrasound show?
Liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas (where visible), spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta and abdominal lymph nodes. It detects gallstones, fatty liver, liver cysts and masses, kidney cysts and stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, splenomegaly and other structural conditions.
Do I need a referral?
No. The Online GP by The Wellness is fully private. No NHS GP referral or registration required.
What if the scan finds something abnormal?
Most findings are benign or require only monitoring. Where significant, the doctor explains findings, places them in context and arranges onward referral as appropriate. We have established private referral pathways into hepatology, gastroenterology, urology and vascular surgery.
When should I have an abdominal ultrasound?
If you have right upper quadrant pain, abnormal liver function tests, suspected gallstones, abnormal kidney function, persistent unexplained abdominal pain, a palpable abdominal mass, or as part of executive health screening. AAA screening is appropriate for men over 65 (once via NHS, or repeat privately) and earlier for those with family history.
References
British Medical Ultrasound Society. Guidelines for professional ultrasound practice, updated 2024. Royal College of Radiologists. Abdominal ultrasound standards. NHS. Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, updated 2024. NICE. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NG49, updated 2024.
