Ultrasound scan
Using high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body.Ultrasounds are scans most commonly known for monitoring pregnancy but are also used to diagnose a number of conditions by using sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body. Your Consultant may recommend an ultrasound scan to monitor organs such as the liver or heart, examine the renal system, or as part of a prostate gland examination. Increasingly, ultrasound is used as a guide for treatment, for example, it’s used to guide pain relieving injections directly into joints. Using ultrasound ensures that the injection is delivered to the precise area for maximum effect.
You will need to have been referred for a private ultrasound scan by a qualified healthcare professional, such as your GP or Consultant. If you think you need an ultrasound scan but don’t have a referral yet, our team are happy to assist you by offering you an appointment with a Private GP or Physical Therapist, who will be able to determine whether you need a scan and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. You can book an appointment at KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
Real-time scan results to assist a quick diagnosis
Ultrasonic sound waves travel freely through fluid and soft tissues but, as they hit a more solid surface, such as a heart valve, the waves echo back in varying strengths to create a real-time picture. This real-time image can also display movement and structure, such as the opening and closing of your heart valves, or to monitor the blood flowing in your deep veins.
Sometimes it is necessary for your Consultant to carry out an internal ultrasound, such as if you are having a prostate gland examination or they need to examine your ovaries or certain parts of the womb. Your Consultant will advise you ahead of a scan so you know what to expect.
Locations
We offer private ultrasound imaging at:
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Private ultrasound scan FAQs
Where can I have a private ultrasound scan?
We offer private ultrasound scans and imaging services at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone and Sevenoaks Medical Centre. If you’re a private patient, you can choose where to have your scan. For example, even if you have your initial consultation at KIMS Hospital, you can still have your ultrasound scan in Sevenoaks. This might be because we can offer you an appointment sooner, or you may find it more convenient to switch between our facilities, depending on where you live and work.
What does an ultrasound involve?
Firstly, you will be asked to lie down for the procedure and a gel will be put onto your skin to ensure the ultrasound probe makes good contact with your body. The ultrasound probe is controlled by the Consultant Radiologist who will move the probe around to take in depth images.
Do I need to do anything before the ultrasound scan?
Your Consultant will advise whether you need to do anything in preparation for your scan, although this is generally only for patients having their bladder, womb or prostate scanned.
Patients having their ovaries or womb scanned may be asked to come to the hospital with a full bladder, ensuring that the womb is pushed into a position that is easier to scan. This is also common for patients having an ultrasound to monitor their bladder.
If you are having your prostate gland examined, you will need to make sure you have had a bowel movement to ensure your rectum is empty before your scan.
Will it hurt?
Ultrasound imaging is a simple and painless procedure, so you should not experience any pain. However, for patients requiring an internal ultrasound, you may experience some slight discomfort, but this shouldn’t last for long.
Where ultrasound is used as a guide for pain relieving injections, you may experience some slight discomfort as the drug is administered, but this is for a short amount of time and passes within minutes.
When do I receive my results?
You may receive some results during your procedure with a clinician, but a record of the results will be made as still pictures, which will be analysed and sent to your GP or Consultant as a report. You will then be able to discuss these in a consultation to determine whether any further scans or treatment is needed, and they may recommend a treatment plan for you.
What if I need further treatment?
If your scan shows that you need treatment, your Consultant will discuss this with you. If you need a procedure, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
What is the cost of a private ultrasound?
A private ultrasound costs £272 at KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.