Abdominal Ultrasound Scans Berkshire
Our Same Day Abdominal Ultrasound Scans in Berkshire are performed by a Specialist Consultant Radiologist.
Private Abdominal Scans in Berkshire
Welcome to Sonorad, a leading private ultrasound clinic in Berkshire. At our Slough ultrasound clinic, we offer high-quality, affordable private abdominal ultrasound scans in a friendly, relaxed and professional environment. A GP referral is not required, you can self-refer. We offer scans to men and women over 18 years of age.
We have an online booking form where you can book abdominal scan appointments including upper and lower abdominal scans, and AAA screening.
What is an Abdominal Ultrasound Scan?
An abdominal diagnostic ultrasound scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the abdominal organs. Organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys bladder, prostate and female pelvic organs (Uterus and ovaries).
It’s a non-invasive, painless way to evaluate and diagnose various abdominal conditions.
Exceptional & Professional Care
Our private ultrasound scan clinic has a top priority of the welfare of our visitors. Our Specialists actively practice their specialities at leading hospitals in the UK and across the NHS, ensuring you receive the highest level of care. Our clinic and team are fully registered and regulated for practice in the United Kingdom. Our patients should expect nothing less.
Comfortable & Painless Ultrasound
Performed by Consultant Radiologists
Same-Day Results For Peace of Mind
Expert Care, Professional Advice
Why patients choose Sonorad
"Dr S I Mahmood is passionate, considerate and, most importantly, knowledgeable. I was completely at ease and was allotted a generous amount of time with him to really make sure I understood what was being said. Booked online less than 12 hrs before coming in, process easy peasy. I have previously used a woman in Harley Street for ultrasounds - NO LONGER. My scan today was the cheapest I could find in Berkshire, yet the consultant himself and the services he provides are unmatched in my experience. Literally zero wait time.
Thank you, doctor! – Alyss Prichard
"My ultrasound at Sonorad was one of the best medical experiences I’ve had. Dr Mahmood was very professional, kind and patient. He took the time to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed, and after the scan, that I completely understood the results. It was very easy to book online, the clinic answered my questions over the phone and i was able to get an appointment quite quickly. I would recommend Sonorad to anyone in need of an ultrasound." - Adrienne Loftus Parkins
"I recently booked an Ultrasound with Dr Mahmood online.to avoid the NHS waiting list. The booking process was very straightforward and I arranged a short notice appointment.
The atmosphere was professional, friendly and reassuring, making me feel comfortable. Dr Mahmood took the time to listen to my concerns and was very thorough, explaining and identifying issues and procedures.”
I would most certainly recommend this service and would use it again if required– Elizabeth D
Abdominal Ultrasound Scan FAQs
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging is a non-ionising and non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It is safe and painless. It produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called sonography. It uses a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel into the body. The probe collects the sounds that bounce back. A computer uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (No x-rays). Because ultrasound captures images in real-time, it can show the structure and motion of the body organs. Thanks to new additions microflow can detect minor inflammations. Ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system provide pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and soft tissues throughout the body.
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What does an abdominal scan show?
Abdominal ultrasound is one of the most commonly used imaging modalities to screen and diagnose the abnormalities of the abdominal and pelvic organs. There is no harming X radiation rather it uses sound waves to create images of the body tissues according to their consistency and is considered the safest imaging modality with no known significant harm. Ultrasound waves sent to the body through a small transducer reflect back to the computer to manipulate to create different body organs. Not only used to diagnose but also provides a guide to radiologists to get samples of the diseased organs.
Why might I need an abdominal ultrasound scan?
Abdominal ultrasound scans are used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions, including gallstones, kidney stones, liver diseases, abdominal pain, and problems with the pancreas or spleen. It is also commonly used to diagnose female gynaecological organs.
What diseases can an abdominal ultrasound detect?
The list is long but the following are the main areas ultrasound can pick and screen:
Liver Ultrasound:
Ultrasound can diagnose liver lesions such as cancer, cysts and abscesses. It picks up diffuse liver diseases such as fatty liver and checks liver cirrhosis and obstructive causes of jaundice. It not only diagnoses the diseases but is used in monitoring the treatment of the known disease undergoing treatment. It helps to evaluate and clarify the indeterminate lesions seen on CT. It’s used to see the normal and abnormal blood flow patterns in the liver.
Gall bladder ultrasound:
Ultrasound is considered one of the initial and best modalities to detect gall stones, gall bladder inflammation helps to differentiate non-cancerous and cancerous lesions. It’s much more commonly used for gallbladder than any other imaging modality.
Pancreas scanning:
The pancreas is an important upper mid-abdominal organ which produces various hormones as insulin to control the body’s sugar. Ultrasound helps to diagnose pancreatic inflammation, cancers and pancreatic cysts. Occasionally bowel gases can obscure the part of the pancreas but in such circumstances, it still can pick large lesions.
Lymph nodes:
The lymphatic system encompasses the whole body and provides a defence against diseases. If lymph nodes become diseased, it will have an adverse effect on combating various diseases. Ultrasound can detect abnormal lymph nodes which helps in the early detection of the disease and its treatment. It’s one of the basic tools to monitor blood cancers. Ultrasound is used by radiologists as a guide to take samples of the supposed abnormal lymph nodes.
Spleen Ultrasound scanning:
Ultrasound is an extremely useful tool in identifying splenic cancers, cysts and abscesses. Blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia can have manifestations in the spleen and ultrasound can detect suspicious lesions. The spleen can get injured during accidents or falls and blood can accumulate in the spleen or between the capsule and spleen known as a subcapsular haematoma.
Radiologists use ultrasound as a guide to get samples of the suspicious lesions and drain the splenic abscess and hematomas.
Ultrasound of the kidneys and urinary bladder:
Ultrasound is widely used to see kidney stones, swelling of the urinary tract and possible suspicious lesions and differentiate possible cancers from simple cysts. It helps interventional radiologists in guiding to take samples of the suspicious lesions and appropriate referral. By ultrasound guidance, radiologists can drain the obstructing kidney system and detect kidney injuries and haematomas.
Abdominal Collection:
Ultrasound is used to find abdominal collections and abscesses in a sick patient. It guides to drain of such collections for faster recovery.
Abdominal Wall lesions and Hernias:
Abdominal, inguinal and femoral hernias are detected and well-differentiated with ultrasound. Ultrasound is widely used to detect abdominal wall lipomas, haematomas and abscesses and their drainage.
Is an abdominal ultrasound better than a CT scan?
CT and ultrasound are complementary to each other in the disease diagnosis. As ultrasound does not use radiation so it’s considered safer during pregnancy and childbearing age. Ultrasound is superior to CT due to its ready availability and much better soft tissue evaluation in certain diseases. Monitoring treatment response, Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, Gall bladder and pelvic organs.
How is an abdominal ultrasound scan performed?
During the procedure, a trained consultant radiologist or technician (sonographer) will apply a gel to your abdominal area and use a handheld device called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. The transducer captures images on a monitor, and these images are used for diagnosis.
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How do I prepare for an abdominal ultrasound scan?
For upper abdominal scans especially for gall bladder, we advise 6-8 hours of fasting. Water drinking is allowed during this time. For the lower abdomen, we advise drinking plenty of water an hour before your appointment to have a full bladder for better visualisation of the bladder, prostate and female pelvic organs. Your healthcare provider or the imaging centre will provide specific instructions based on the purpose of the scan and your medical condition. Please wear loose clothes and take off any jewellery.
How long does an abdominal ultrasound scan take?
The duration of the scan can vary but typically lasts around 30 minutes. However, it may take longer if a more detailed evaluation is required.
Can you drink water before an abdominal ultrasound?
In upper abdominal scanning, you have to fast for at least 6 hours and no restrictions for drinking water. Water in the stomach provides a good window to evaluate the pancreas. A full bladder is better for urinary bladder and ureteric stones.
Full bladder provides a good window for the female uterine/ovarian and prostate evaluation. For water system, prostate and female pelvic scan please start drinking at least 2-3 glasses of water before your scan appointment.
Can abdominal ultrasound detect bowel problems?
Bowel gas is a hindrance to seeing within the bowel lumen.
Ultrasound is the preferred modality for acute appendicitis in young adults and childbearing age to avoid CT radiation. Small lesions of the bowel are difficult to detect with ultrasound, but new scanners are eligible to detect moderate-sized lesions.
Schedule a private abdominal ultrasound scan at our clinic in Berkshire
Can abdominal ultrasound scans be used for cancer diagnosis?
Abdominal ultrasound scans can be a useful tool in identifying abnormalities in the abdominal area, but they are not typically used as the ultimate method for diagnosing cancer. Additional tests, such as CT, MRI scans, biopsies and specialist referral, may be needed for cancer diagnosis.
Is abdominal ultrasound safe and radiation-free?
Yes, abdominal ultrasound being a safe imaging modality is a basic screening modality. There is no radiation involved as with X-rays or CT scans. It uses sound waves to create images, making it a low-risk imaging option, even for pregnant women and children.
Will a radiologist tell you if something is wrong?
Radiologists can go through the scan most of the time. If there is something not clear or indeterminate, the radiologist might ask you to come again or advise further tests or referral for more clarification.
Do you offer Abdominal Ultrasound Scans near me?
We operate our clinic from Manor Park Medical Centre, 2 Lerwick Drive, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3XU. Please note we are not part of Manor Park Medical Centre but use the premises.
We have people travel to us from many miles around including Windsor, High Wycombe, Ascot, Marlow, Hayes, Maidenhead, Uxbridge, West Drayton, Beaconsfield, Hounslow, Richmond, Ealing, Wembley, Twickenham, Staines, Northwood, Teddington, Southall, Brentford, Pinner, Kingston On Thames, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Kensington and West London.
Book an appointment for a private abdominal ultrasound scan at our clinic in Berkshire