General Ultrasound
Abdominal Ultrasound
A look at the organs in the upper abdomen: liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and the major blood vessels. The usual first test for upper abdominal pain, suspected gallstones or abnormal liver blood tests.
- Duration
- 20–30 minutes
- Price
- €150, report included
About this scan
What this scan involves
An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to build a picture of the solid organs in your upper abdomen. It involves no radiation and no injection, and is usually the first imaging test a GP requests when something in the upper abdomen needs looking at.
Why fasting matters
The gallbladder fills with bile between meals and empties after eating. On an empty stomach it is distended and easy to see, and gallstones show clearly. After food it contracts to a small, folded structure that can hide stones entirely. Fasting also reduces gas in the bowel, which otherwise blocks the view of the pancreas.
What ultrasound sees well, and what it does not
Ultrasound is very good at gallstones, at the texture and size of the liver, at kidney stones and swelling, and at fluid collections. It is less good at the pancreas, which sits behind the stomach and bowel, and it cannot see inside the bowel itself. Where the question is not answered, the report will say so and suggest the test that would answer it.
What happens if something is found
Most abdominal scans are normal or show something minor and common, such as a simple cyst or a fatty liver. Where a finding needs attention, the consultant radiologist says so plainly in the report, and anything urgent is telephoned to you and your GP the same day rather than left in the post.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- The liver: size, texture and any focal lesions
- The gallbladder and bile ducts, including gallstones
- The pancreas, as far as bowel gas allows
- The spleen
- Both kidneys
- The abdominal aorta and major vessels
- Free fluid anywhere in the abdomen
What's included
€150, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist, answering the clinical question you came with
- The report to your GP within three working days, with your consent
- Urgent findings telephoned to you and your GP on the day
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- Upper abdominal pain
- Suspected gallstones
- Abnormal liver blood tests
- Unexplained bloating or weight loss
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
Nothing to eat for six hours before the appointment. You may drink small amounts of water and should take regular medication as normal. If you are diabetic, or fasting is difficult for any reason, phone us before you book and we will arrange a suitable time rather than have you fast unsafely.
During the scan
You lie on the couch and the sonographer applies warm gel to your abdomen and moves the probe over it, pressing gently at times. You will be asked to take a deep breath and hold it at several points, because breathing in pushes the liver down from under the ribs and gives a much better view. It is not painful, though pressing over a tender area can be uncomfortable. Allow twenty to thirty minutes.
After your scan
You can eat and drink immediately and drive yourself home. There are no after-effects. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP with your consent.
How to prepare
Nothing to eat for 6 hours before the appointment. You may drink small amounts of water and should take any regular medication as normal.
Book your Abdominal Ultrasound
€150 including the consultant report, 20–30 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself for this scan. If your GP has given you a referral letter, bring it, because the specific clinical question helps the radiologist give a more useful answer.
What if I forget to fast?
Tell us when you arrive. We can often rearrange you for later the same day or another day rather than perform a scan that may not answer the question. A scan on a full stomach can miss gallstones entirely.
Can I take my medication?
Yes. Take regular medication as normal with a small amount of water. If you take medication that must be taken with food, phone us before booking so we can plan the timing.
Is it safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, and there is no injection and no dye. It can be repeated as often as needed.
Will I get the results on the day?
The sonographer can tell you what they are seeing, but the formal answer comes in the consultant radiologist's written report, typically within three working days. Anything urgent is phoned through the same day.
Also consider
Other general ultrasound scans
20–30 minutes
Pelvic Ultrasound
Assesses the uterus, ovaries and bladder, or the prostate and bladder, depending on your anatomy.
€150 · 20–30 minutes
40 minutes
Abdomen & Pelvis Ultrasound
Both examinations in a single appointment, covering the upper abdominal organs and the pelvic organs together.
€210 · 40 minutes
20 minutes
Renal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Examines both kidneys, the ureters where visible, and the bladder before and after voiding.
€140 · 20 minutes