Abdomen Ultrasound Scan, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
abdomen ultrasound
What's included for £260
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan — results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
The full upper abdomen
A comprehensive look at all the main organs in the upper abdomen, looking for stones, masses, cysts, structural changes and signs of inflammation.
Liver
Size, texture, fatty change, masses, cysts, nodules.
Gallbladder
Gallstones, sludge, wall thickening, polyps.
Pancreas
Texture, masses, ducts (where view permits).
Spleen
Enlargement, masses, cysts, infarcts.
Kidneys
Stones, cysts, masses, hydronephrosis, scarring.
Bile ducts
Dilatation, stones (where visible).
Abdominal aorta
Diameter check — screening for aneurysm.
Free fluid check
Signs of ascites or bleeding.
If you have any of these, an abdomen scan can help
What an abdomen ultrasound can identify
An abdomen ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for many common conditions causing tummy pain, digestive issues or abnormal blood tests.
Gallstones & cholecystitis
The #1 use. Ultrasound detects 95%+ of gallstones and signs of gallbladder inflammation.
Fatty liver disease
Increasingly common — we look for fatty change, nodules and texture abnormalities.
Kidney stones & hydronephrosis
Detects stones causing blockage, plus general kidney structure changes.
Liver lesions & cysts
Simple cysts, haemangiomas and other lesions — characterisation guides next steps.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Screening for AAA, particularly important in men over 65.
Pancreatic abnormalities
Visible portions of the pancreas can be assessed for masses and dilatation.
Ultrasound is not designed to assess bowel in detail — if bowel pathology is suspected, we may recommend further investigation.
Preparation — 4-hour fast
How to prepare for your abdomen ultrasound
Why fast? When you eat, the gallbladder releases bile and contracts — making it hard to see clearly. Fasting lets bile build up and shows the gallbladder properly. Chewing gum and cigarettes can cause gas, which obscures the view.
Diabetic or prone to hypos? Please check with your GP first, and bring a snack for after the scan.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
Brief chat about your symptoms and history. Ask any questions.
The scan (20-30 mins)
Lie on your back, warm gel applied to your abdomen. Consultant explains findings as they scan.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end — you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.
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.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.
Abdomen ultrasound
- ✓Immediate results explained & written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
Bundle with another area
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓Common combos: abdomen + pelvis, abdomen + kidneys
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
Targeted AAA screening?
If you only want to check your abdominal aorta (AAA screening, particularly for men over 65), book the targeted Aorta Ultrasound — same £260, faster appointment.
See what an abdomen ultrasound involves
Our patient information video walks you through how to prepare, what happens during the scan and what to expect afterwards. About 2 minutes long.
The playlist includes videos for Abdomen, Pelvis, Testicular, Neck, Lump, DVT, Groin and Steroid injections.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about abdomen ultrasound
How much does a private abdomen ultrasound cost in Cardiff?
A single-area abdomen ultrasound at Acorn Private Clinic costs £260 all-inclusive. This covers the consultation, scan, verbal results during your appointment, a written report within 24-48 hours and any onward referral if required. Bundle with another area (e.g. pelvis, kidneys) for £360.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — abdomen ultrasound is self-refer. You can book online in 60 seconds. We do ask that you're registered with a GP (NHS or private) so we can send your report to them with your consent.
How quickly can I get an abdomen scan?
Most appointments are available within 48-72 hours. Urgent slots are sometimes available same-day — call us on 029 2199 9300. This compares to NHS abdomen ultrasound wait times that can run from 6+ weeks.
What does an abdomen ultrasound show?
We assess the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, abdominal aorta, bile ducts and look for free fluid. It's the first-line imaging test for gallstones, kidney stones, fatty liver, suspected AAA, liver lesions and unexplained abdominal pain.
How long does the scan take?
Around 20-30 minutes for the scan itself, plus 10-15 minutes for consultation and discussion of findings. Allow about 45 minutes for the full visit.
Do I need to fast before the scan?
Yes — fast for 4 hours beforehand. No food, milky/fizzy/sugary drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes. Water in small sips is fine. Take your normal medications. This lets us see your gallbladder properly. Diabetic patients should check with their GP first and bring a snack.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes — ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. It's the same technology used worldwide in pregnancy scans and is completely safe for all ages including pregnant women.
Will the report be accepted by my NHS GP?
Yes — our reports are produced by UK-registered Consultant Radiologists and accepted by NHS GPs, consultants and onward referral pathways. With your permission, we can send the report directly to your GP.
What's the difference between ultrasound, CT and MRI for abdomen scans?
Ultrasound is fast, radiation-free and excellent for gallstones, kidney stones, fatty liver and the aorta. CT uses X-rays and is better for deep structures and bowel pathology. MRI gives the most detail and is best for liver lesions or pancreatic detail. Ultrasound is usually the first-line test — if more detail is needed, we can advise on CT or our private MRI service.
Can an abdomen ultrasound diagnose cancer?
Ultrasound can detect many masses, nodules and lesions that may be cancerous — particularly in the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes. If something concerning is found, your consultant arranges further investigation immediately (CT, MRI, biopsy, specialist referral). It's not a complete cancer screening tool but it's often the first imaging test that flags something needs more attention.
Where can I get a private abdomen ultrasound near Cardiff?
Acorn Private Clinic offers abdomen ultrasound at our Penarth clinic (CF64 2AD) — 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre with free parking. Patients travel to us from across South Wales including Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Can I claim a private abdomen ultrasound on health insurance?
Most major UK insurers (Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz) cover diagnostic abdomen ultrasound when there's a clinical indication. Coverage varies by policy — check with your insurer for an authorisation code, and bring it to your appointment.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private abdomen ultrasound — consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.