Default size Large text

The Diagnostic Centre at Holly House is a dedicated facility offering some of the most equipment and a speedy, personal service to patients requiring ultrasound investigations.

What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan is an examination of the body using high frequency sound waves (not x-rays), to produce images of the inside of the body.  The ultrasound probe is moved over the skin transmitting sound waves to the relevant internal body part; the echoes as they reflect or “bounce” off that part of your body are used to create an image.

Doppler ultrasound is an additional technique that can be used to examine blood vessels to provide both structural and functional information.  Ultrasound can also be used for biopsy, drainage and other interventional procedures.

A wide range of ultrasound scans are available at Holly House including scans of the: 

• abdomen
• pelvis (trans-abdominal and internal)
• renal tract, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas and liver
• testicles
• carotid artery
• thyroid
• breast
• cardiac and aortic aneurysm screening
• orthopaedic and sports injuries scans
• gynaecological and prenatal scans

What happens during a scan?
Depending on the type of examination you are having you may need to prepare, for example by fasting or filling your bladder.  If any preparation is required, you will be told when booking your appointment.  We have dedicated patient waiting areas and changing facilities to enable you to prepare for your scan in a friendly, comfortable and relaxed environment - you may be given a gown to change into depending on which area of the body is being scanned. 

Once ready, the sonographer or Consultant Radiologist will accompany you into the scanning room and ask you to lie down on a bed.  They will spread a thin layer of clear gel onto your skin over the area to be scanned and slide the ultrasound probe over this area until a good image can be found.  The scan should be painless.

How long will the scan take?
Ultrasound scans take between 15-30 minutes depending on which area is being scanned.

When will I have the results?
A Consultant Radiologist or Ultrasonographer will read and report on the images from your scan.   We will contact the doctor, consultant or specialist who has referred you for your ultrasound scan with the results and send your images to him/her.  This is generally within 48 hours but can be sooner.  Your specialist will discuss the results with you and any further action required.  We are not able to give any results or discuss the radiologist's report with you.

Can I have my ultrasound scan at Holly House?
You need to be referred by a midwife, doctor or consultant before you can have an ultrasound scan.  But, did you know that once you have been referred you can choose where to have your scan performed, even if the referral letter/form is for a particular diagnostic centre?  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure.  We welcome all insured patients, including those insured with AXA PPP and BUPA, as well as patients choosing to pay for their own treatment.

Please call 020 8936 1202 to book an appointment