Specialties
    Executive Health Assessment
    Our doctors
    Referrer services
    Contact us
    Request appointment
    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Diagnostics
    4. Ultrasound
    5. Abdominal ultrasound scan

    Abdominal ultrasound scan

    An abdominal ultrasound is a safe and painless scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs and vessels inside your abdomen.

    These images are used by our Mayo Clinic Healthcare specialists to “see” inside your body without exposing you to radiation. 

    Request an appointment

    • An abdominal ultrasound helps doctors look closely at the structures in and around your stomach area. This includes the:

      • Blood vessels in the abdomen
      • Gallbladder
      • Intestines
      • Kidneys
      • Liver
      • Pancreas
      • Spleen

    • A private abdominal ultrasound scan can both diagnose and rule out a range of conditions, including:

      • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
      • Kidney stones
      • Liver disease
      • Tumours
      • Unexplained stomach pain or bloating

    • Your consultant may recommend an abdominal ultrasound if you’re experiencing:

      • Persistent stomach pain
      • Swelling or bloating
      • Unexplained weight loss
      • A pulsating feeling in the abdomen

      Abnormal liver or kidney blood test results will also likely lead to your consultant recommending an ultrasound.

      If you’re experiencing these symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment to discuss them with a consultant.

    • An ultrasound would typically be advised by your consultant during your appointment - and often performed the same day.

      You may be referred for an abdominal ultrasound if you have ongoing stomach symptoms, abnormal blood test results, or a family history of certain conditions. It’s also commonly used as a preventive check in people at higher risk of abdominal conditions.

      A scan is also recommended for:

      • Men aged 65+ with a history (past and present) of smoking, to check for abdominal aortic aneurysms
      • Individuals with suspected liver damage

    • We generally advise you to avoid eating and drinking a few hours before your procedure. This prevents the contents of your stomach or your bladder from impacting the images of the scan.

      Your Mayo Clinic Healthcare team will give you specific instructions prior to your appointment based on your specific needs. 

    • The scan typically takes about thirty minutes and is usually painless. You may feel discomfort if your abdomen is tender or sore, but every effort will be made to ensure you are comfortable throughout.

      • To capture the images, our sonographer will apply a small amount of gel to your skin.
      • The technician then gently presses a wand - the transducer - on your abdomen.
      • The handled device is gently moved across your abdomen to locate any issues.
      • These signals are sent to a computer, which creates images used for diagnosis.

    • Because the procedure isn’t invasive, you should be able to return to normal activities immediately. 

    • There is no known risk. The process uses low-power sound waves that pass safely through body tissue.

    • Your symptoms may mean another scan is recommended to provide the most accurate results. This could be a CT scan, an MRI or another form of imaging. Your consultant will outline your options with you and advise you on what to do. 

    • Typically, you’ll receive results the same day.

      One of our expert radiologists will review the images from your private abdominal ultrasound scan, and discuss their findings with your consultant. From there, your consultant will decide on a likely diagnosis. 

    Private health insurance and self-pay options

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Request an appointment today

    If you have concerns about your health, or would like a private abdominal ultrasound scan to ease your mind, our team is here to help. Request an appointment with us today. 

    Home
    1. Home
    2. Specialties
    3. Diagnostics
    4. Ultrasound
    5. Abdominal ultrasound scan