Liver & Gallbladder Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
liver & gallbladder scan
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 liver & biliary system
A focused scan of your liver, gallbladder and bile ducts — the most common cause of upper-right abdominal pain.
Liver
Size, texture, fatty change, lesions.
Gallbladder
Gallstones, sludge, wall thickening, polyps.
Common bile duct
Dilatation, stones (where visible).
Intrahepatic bile ducts
Dilatation, obstruction signs.
Portal vein
Flow direction, thrombosis.
Hepatic veins
Patency, abnormal flow.
Right kidney (incidental)
Quick screen for stones, cysts.
Free fluid
Signs of ascites.
Common reasons to book this scan
What we can identify
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test for gallbladder disease and many liver conditions.
Gallstones & cholecystitis
Detects 95%+ of gallstones and signs of gallbladder inflammation.
Fatty liver (steatosis)
Echogenic bright liver pattern, common in metabolic syndrome.
Liver cysts & lesions
Simple cysts, haemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia.
Bile duct stones
Where the duct is dilated or stones are visible.
Gallbladder polyps
Surveillance follow-up if found.
Liver enlargement
Hepatomegaly with texture changes.
If something complex is found, we can refer onward for CT, MRI/MRCP, or a hepatology opinion.
Preparation
How to prepare for your liver scan
Fasting fills the gallbladder. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts and is harder to see. A 4-hour fast lets bile build up so we can examine the wall properly.
Diabetic or prone to hypos? Please check with your GP first, and bring a snack for after.
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.
Liver & Gallbladder 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 available at booking
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
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 liver & gallbladder ultrasound
How much does a private liver and gallbladder ultrasound cost?
£260 all-inclusive at Acorn Private Clinic — includes consultation, scan, immediate verbal results, written report within 24-48 hours.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — self-refer. Book online in 60 seconds.
How quickly can I be scanned?
Most appointments within 48-72 hours. Same-week guaranteed.
What does the scan show?
Liver size and texture, fatty liver, lesions, gallbladder stones and wall, bile ducts, portal vein flow, and a quick view of the right kidney.
Will gallstones definitely show up?
Ultrasound detects over 95% of gallstones — it's the first-line imaging test recommended by NICE.
How long does the scan take?
About 20-30 minutes for the scan plus 10-15 minutes for consultation.
Do I need to fast?
Yes — fast for 4 hours. No food, milky/fizzy/sugary drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes. Water in small sips is fine.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes — sound waves only, no radiation.
My LFTs are abnormal — should I get a scan?
Yes — ultrasound is usually the first imaging test for abnormal liver blood tests. We assess for fatty liver, lesions and bile duct dilatation.
Can ultrasound show liver cancer?
Many liver tumours can be detected on ultrasound. If a suspicious lesion is found, we arrange CT or MRI for further characterisation.
Where can I get a liver ultrasound near Cardiff?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD) — 10 minutes from Cardiff.
Health insurance — is it covered?
Most UK insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA, Aviva) cover diagnostic liver ultrasound when there's a clinical indication.
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.