Referral required for all children's scans. Please email your GP or paediatrician's referral letter to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before booking.
Wales' first consultant-led ultrasound clinic

Children's & Paediatric Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales

Scanned by a consultant paediatric radiologist. Same-week appointments. Results explained to you before you leave.

★★★★★ 4.9 from 376 Google reviews
Same-week appointments Results explained on the day HIW regulated
£ 260
All-inclusive private
paediatric ultrasound
Results on the day Paediatric radiologist Same-week

What's included for £260

  • Scan performed by a consultant paediatric radiologist, with findings explained as they go
  • Written report within 24-48 hours
  • Digital scan images
  • Onward referral if needed
  • Same-week appointments
What we examine

Paediatric ultrasound

Children's ultrasound at Acorn is provided by a consultant radiologist with paediatric experience. A referral letter from a doctor (NHS or private) is required before booking, so that the scan we do is the right one for your child.

Neck

Lymph nodes, thyroid, congenital cysts.

Chest

Effusions and consolidation (more limited than CT).

Abdomen

Liver, gallbladder, kidneys, intussusception.

Kidneys & bladder

Hydronephrosis, reflux, stones, infection screening.

Pelvis

Ovaries, uterus, free fluid.

Armpit

Lymph nodes and lumps.

Testes

Torsion (urgent referral), tumours, hydrocele.

Lump anywhere

Characterisation of soft-tissue lumps.

Common reasons people book

Common reasons for a paediatric scan

Recurrent urinary infections
Persistent tummy pain
Neck or armpit lumps
Testicular pain or swelling
A mass felt by your GP
Suspected intussusception
Congenital concerns (hydronephrosis follow-up)
Unexplained lumps anywhere
Conditions detected

What we can identify

Ultrasound suits children well: no radiation, nothing painful, and your child stays with you in the room throughout.

Hydronephrosis

A common congenital finding that needs follow-up.

Intussusception

An acute paediatric emergency. Same-day referral if we find it.

Lymphadenopathy

Reactive nodes from infection, and nodes that look suspicious.

Pyloric stenosis

The classic infant cause of forceful vomiting.

Renal stones and signs of reflux

Common in children with recurrent urine infections.

Soft tissue lumps

Lipomas, cysts and lymph nodes, in the neck, armpit or elsewhere.

Urgent or unexpected findings are escalated to your child's paediatric team immediately, with same-day phone contact if needed. Adults can book any of our private ultrasound scans without a referral.

Before your scan

Preparation

Referral required

How to prepare

Bring the referral letter from your GP, paediatrician or specialist.
Bring a favourite toy or tablet to keep your child relaxed.
Snacks and a drink unless we have asked you to fast (abdomen and kidney scans).
Dress your child in loose clothing that is easy to lift or take off for the area being scanned.
A parent stays throughout. We want you in the room with your child.

Why a referral? Children's investigations should be clinically directed, so we know which area to scan and what the question is. Email the letter to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before booking, or bring it with you on the day.

If your child is anxious about the appointment, tell us when you book. We are used to worried children and we never rush a scan.

What to expect

Your appointment, step by step

1

Arrive

Free street parking at Penarth, and a 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.

2

Meet your consultant

A short chat about your child's symptoms and the referral. You stay in the room for the whole appointment.

3

The scan (20-30 mins)

Warm gel goes on the area being scanned, then a small probe moves over the skin. Younger children can sit on your lap for part of it.

4

Results on the day

The consultant explains the findings while scanning and again at the end, so you leave knowing where things stand. The written report follows within 24-48 hours.

Who scans your child

Your paediatric radiologist

Mr Thomas Micic

Consultant Paediatric Radiologist

Children's scans at Acorn are performed by Mr Thomas Micic, a consultant paediatric radiologist. He carries out the scan himself and talks you through what he can see at the time, rather than handing images to someone else to report days later. Meet the clinical team.

★★★★★

Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan... so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.

Verified Google review · Same-week ultrasound at Acorn
Pricing

Transparent, all-inclusive

One price per scan area, with nothing added afterwards.

Single scan

Children's & Paediatric Ultrasound

£260
  • Consultant paediatric radiologist, results explained on the day
  • Written report within 24-48 hours
  • Digital images and onward referral if needed
  • Same-week appointment
Book scan

All prices include the consultation, the scan, the written report, digital images and any onward referral.

Where to find us

Our Penarth clinic

Penarth Clinic

13 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road, Penarth
CF64 2AD

10 minutes from Cardiff city centre · Free street parking

Get directions →

Families travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.

FAQ

Common questions about children's & paediatric ultrasound

How much does a private paediatric ultrasound cost?

£260 all-inclusive per scan area. That covers the consultant, the scan, the written report, digital images and any onward referral.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. A referral letter is required for any paediatric scan. It can come from your GP, a paediatrician or a private specialist. Email it to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before booking.

Why is a referral needed?

Children's investigations should be clinically directed, so that we scan the right area and answer the right question rather than testing unnecessarily.

Who will scan my child?

Mr Thomas Micic, consultant paediatric radiologist. The consultant performs the scan personally and explains what he can see as he goes.

How quickly can my child be seen?

Most appointments happen within 48-72 hours of us receiving the referral. Urgent slots are available.

Does my child need to fast beforehand?

For most scans, no. If the abdomen or kidneys are being scanned we will tell you exactly what your child should avoid, and for how long, when you book. Bring snacks and a drink for afterwards.

Will the scan upset my child?

Ultrasound is painless and your child stays with you throughout. We are used to anxious children and we never rush. A tablet or a favourite toy helps.

Is ultrasound safe for children?

Yes. There is no radiation involved. It is the same technology used for pregnancy scans.

Can I stay with my child?

Yes. We want a parent in the room for the whole appointment.

How long does the scan take?

About 20-30 minutes.

What if you find something serious?

We contact your referring doctor immediately and arrange urgent onward care, with same-day phone contact if it is needed. We never leave parents waiting for answers.

Will I get a written report?

Yes. The findings are explained to you at the appointment, and a full written consultant report is emailed within 24-48 hours to you and to your referring doctor.

Can teenagers be scanned?

Yes. We scan all ages from infants upwards, and teenagers can come into the room on their own if they prefer.

Where do I go?

Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre.

Get the answers you need.

Same-week private paediatric ultrasound with a consultant paediatric radiologist. Send us the referral letter and we will do the rest.