Yes — for an upper abdominal scan (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas), we ask that you fast for 4–6 hours before your appointment. This ensures the gallbladder is fully distended and not obscured by bowel gas, giving the best quality images. Water is fine to drink. For pelvic scans, a full bladder is usually required. Other areas require no preparation.

Ultrasound is very effective at identifying masses, cysts, and lesions in many organs. It can characterise whether something appears benign or suspicious. However, ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose cancer — if a suspicious lesion is found, further investigation (biopsy, CT or MRI) is typically recommended. The report will clearly state whether additional investigation is advised.

Yes — soft tissue ultrasound is one of the most effective ways to assess a superficial lump. It can determine whether it is solid or fluid-filled (cystic), its precise dimensions, and whether it has features that require further investigation. Most benign lumps (lipomas, cysts, lymph nodes) can be confidently characterised by ultrasound.

We provide representative still images from your examination along with the written report. If you require a full digital recording of the study, please mention this at the time of booking and we will make the appropriate arrangements.

Not always. A transvaginal ultrasound (internal probe) is often recommended for women in addition to the external scan, as it provides substantially clearer images of the uterus and ovaries. It is not painful, though it may be slightly uncomfortable. You can decline this part of the examination — please discuss any concerns with your sonographer at the start of the appointment.