Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound

An abdominal and/or pelvic ultrasound scan takes less than 30 minutes. It’s carried out in our outpatient clinic, usually with a consultant radiologist with a clinical member of the Welbeck team to assist them during your appointment.

When you arrive, you’ll be prepared by one of our clinical team members. They’ll ask you to remove any jewellery and watches, and help you get into a comfortable position on your back on one of our clinical couches. You’ll be given a dressing cover for privacy and to protect your clothing. Only the part of your body that needs to be scanned will be exposed during your scan.

Your consultant will then apply some gel to your abdominal and/or pelvic area — this may feel slightly cold at first. They’ll gently push the ultrasound machine’s transducer (a handheld, wand-like device) against your abdominal and/or pelvic area. This shouldn’t cause you any pain, but you may experience very mild discomfort if the area that’s being scanned is already painful. 

The transducer will omit sound waves that send images back to the machine’s monitor. You won’t be able to hear or feel the sound waves. Your consultant will move the transducer into different positions to get as many images as they need. They may also ask you to reposition or hold your breath for short intervals.

When the test is complete, they’ll remove any remaining gel from your skin, and you’ll be able to get up and get dressed. You’ll be able to go home straight after your appointment.

There are no known risks associated with an abdominal or pelvic ultrasound. Ultrasound tests, and the sound waves used to create the images, are very safe. 

Your consultant will let you know what to do in preparation for your abdominal and/or pelvic ultrasound.

If you’re having an abdominal ultrasound, they’ll ask you to fast for 6 hours before your appointment. If you’re having a pelvic ultrasound, you’ll need to have a full bladder for your test. Your consultant will give you instructions on how much to drink and when, before your appointment.

You’ll be able to resume your normal activities immediately after your scan. 

Your ultrasound report will usually be available on the same day as your appointment. Your consultant will explain how and when they’ll share the results with you.

The results may be enough for your consultant to make a diagnosis, or they may indicate that further tests and scans are needed. Your consultant will talk you through the next steps and whether you’ll need any follow-up appointments.

Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our radiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, you must be referred by either your GP or a radiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a radiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.