Private Liver Ultrasound Scan from £199
A liver ultrasound uses sound waves to assess the liver and nearby structures. It may be requested to investigate abnormal liver blood tests, abdominal symptoms or a previously identified finding.
What can a liver ultrasound scan assess?
Ultrasound can identify some structural changes, cysts and bile duct dilatation. It cannot reliably diagnose every cause of liver disease or measure liver function; further blood tests or specialised imaging may be needed.
Why might a clinician recommend this scan?
- Assessment of liver size and appearance
- Investigation of selected abnormal liver blood tests
- Assessment of cysts or other focal liver findings
- Review of the gallbladder and bile ducts when included in the examination
How to prepare
Fasting may be requested, particularly if the gallbladder is also being examined. Follow the instructions for your appointment and bring relevant medical history or test results if available.
Safety and limitations
Ultrasound uses no ionising radiation. Findings must be interpreted alongside symptoms, blood tests and clinical history.
Ultrasound uses sound waves and does not use ionising radiation.
How does it compare with other scans?
Blood tests and sometimes elastography, CT or MRI may be used alongside ultrasound to investigate liver conditions. The appropriate combination depends on the clinical question.
More than a scan: doctor-led care before and after
Your scan is part of a supported care pathway. You do not need to arrange your own referral.
Before your scan: GP consultation
Discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a GP. This helps you understand whether the scan is appropriate and what the examination is intended to investigate. If imaging is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
After your scan: understand the report
Your images are reviewed and reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Your post-scan GP consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the report in context, ask questions and understand possible next steps.
Included with your service
- Pre-scan GP consultation
- Private medical referral where appropriate
- Consultant Radiologist’s report
- Digital access to your images and report
- Post-scan GP consultation
- Dedicated Patient Care Team support
Consultation fee: You pay £25 when you book. If you proceed with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you do not proceed, you pay only the £25 consultation fee.
Liver ultrasound scan FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, reporting and the clinical pathway.
How much does a private liver ultrasound scan cost?
A private liver ultrasound scan starts from £199. You pay £25 for the pre-scan GP consultation when you book. If you go ahead with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you decide not to proceed, you only pay the £25 consultation fee. If you are unsure whether this scan is right for you, speak to a doctor today.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need to arrange your own referral. You start with a pre-scan GP consultation with PrivateScans. The GP discusses your symptoms and medical history and, if the scan is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
Who reports my scan?
Your images are reviewed and formally reported by a Consultant Radiologist. The written report explains the imaging findings; your post-scan GP consultation helps you discuss the results in the context of your symptoms and possible next steps.
When will I receive my report?
Your Consultant Radiologist’s report is usually available within 3 days of your scan.
What happens before and after the scan?
Your service includes a pre-scan GP consultation, referral arrangements where imaging is clinically appropriate, the scan, a Consultant Radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, a post-scan GP consultation and support from the Patient Care Team.
Can ultrasound diagnose fatty liver?
Can ultrasound diagnose fatty liver? It may show features suggestive of fatty change, but it does not assess every aspect of liver health or replace clinical review and blood tests.
Unsure whether this scan is right for you?
Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and the most appropriate next step.