Safe, radiation-free imaging using sound waves — for abdominal, gynaecological, vascular and soft tissue assessment.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of structures inside the body. A small handheld probe is passed over the skin (or, in some cases, internally) to generate these images. There is no radiation involved, making it extremely safe for patients of all ages, including pregnant women and children.
At Bristol Medical Imaging, our Consultant Radiologists are expert sonographers who perform and interpret the ultrasound examination themselves — ensuring the highest quality of assessment and immediate clinical correlation.
Operator-dependent: The quality of an ultrasound scan depends heavily on the skill and experience of the person performing it. Our scans are performed and interpreted by Consultant Radiologists, ensuring the highest standard of assessment.
| Duration | 15 – 40 minutes |
| Radiation | None |
| Preparation | Varies by scan type |
| Report | 24–48 hours |
| Locations | Spire & Nuffield Bristol |
Liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas and aorta. Assessment of gallstones, liver disease, cysts, masses and abdominal pain.
Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal and transvaginal) for uterine and ovarian pathology including fibroids, cysts and endometriosis assessment.
EndometriosisThyroid nodule assessment and characterisation, lymph node evaluation and salivary gland assessment.
Carotid artery assessment, venous Doppler for DVT, peripheral arterial evaluation and aortic aneurysm surveillance.
Vascular imagingKidney size, echogenicity and cyst assessment. Bladder volume and wall thickening. Renal artery Doppler.
Renal imagingTendons, ligaments and soft tissue masses. Particularly useful for shoulder rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, plantar fascia and joint effusions.
Erectile dysfunction assessment with penile Doppler ultrasound — evaluating penile blood flow, veno-occlusive function and Peyronie’s plaque.
Andrology imagingPreparation depends on the area being scanned. For abdominal ultrasound (especially gallbladder), you will typically be asked to fast for 6 hours. For pelvic ultrasound, a full bladder is often required. We will provide specific instructions when booking.
You will lie on an examination couch. A clear, water-based gel is applied to your skin and a small probe is moved gently across the area being examined. The gel may feel slightly cool. The scan is completely painless for most patients.
For optimal assessment of the uterus and ovaries, a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended. A small, smooth probe is gently inserted into the vagina. This is typically well tolerated and produces clearer images of pelvic structures than an abdominal scan alone.
Because the scan is performed by a Consultant Radiologist, preliminary findings are often discussed with you immediately. A formal written report follows within 24–48 hours and is shared with your referring doctor.