Abdominal Ultrasound Scan

€170(Medical Card: €150)(Duration: 20-30 minutes)

Preparation:Fasting required (6-7 hours)

Results:Radiologist report sent within 2-3 working days

What Is a Abdominal Ultrasound Scan?

An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the organs in your upper abdomen. It's one of the most common diagnostic scans, providing valuable information about your internal organs without using radiation.

This scan is typically the first-line investigation when you have abdominal symptoms or when blood tests suggest an issue with your liver, kidneys, or other abdominal organs.

What We Assess With This Scan

Liver: Size, texture, and any abnormalities such as fatty liver or cysts
Gallbladder: Gallstones, wall thickening, or inflammation
Kidneys: Stones, cysts, or structural abnormalities
Pancreas: Size, structure, and any visible changes
Spleen: Size and texture
Aorta: Checking for aneurysm (abnormal widening)

This scan cannot assess:

The bowel or stomach in detail (due to gas interference)
Function of organs (blood tests are needed to assess how well organs are working)
Small abnormalities that may require CT or MRI for detection

Why You Might Need This Scan

Common symptoms:

•Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
•Nausea, bloating, or indigestion
•Pain after eating, especially fatty foods
•Unexplained weight loss
•Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
•Back pain radiating from the abdomen

Conditions we assess:

•Gallstones
•Kidney stones
•Fatty liver disease
•Liver cysts
•Kidney cysts
•Abdominal aortic aneurysm
•Enlarged liver or spleen

What to Expect

Before Your Scan

You must fast for at least 6-7 hours before your scan. This means no food or drinks (except small sips of water with medication). Fasting helps ensure the gallbladder is fully distended and provides clearer images of all organs.

Preparation checklist:

Fast for 6-7 hours before your appointment
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time

During the Scan

You'll lie on an examination table, initially on your back. The sonographer may ask you to turn onto your right or left side during the scan to get the best views of each organ. A warm, water-based gel is applied to your abdomen. The sonographer gently moves the handheld probe across your skin to capture images. You may be asked to take deep breaths and hold briefly to help move organs below your ribs into better view. The scan typically takes 20-30 minutes.

After Your Scan

You can eat and drink normally immediately after the scan. There are no restrictions or downtime — you can return to your usual activities straight away.

Results & Next Steps

Your scan is reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who prepares a formal report. This report is sent to your referring doctor within 2-3 working days. Please note: our sonographers cannot provide verbal results on the day. This ensures your findings are fully reviewed and accurate.

Pricing

Price: €170 (Medical Card: €150)

Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

No — an abdominal ultrasound is painless. You may feel slight pressure as the probe moves across your abdomen, and the gel may feel cool at first, but most people find it very comfortable.

The scan itself usually takes 20-30 minutes. Please arrive about 10 minutes early for check-in.

Fasting ensures the gallbladder is full (it empties after eating), which allows us to see it clearly. Fasting also reduces gas in the bowel, improving image quality of all organs.

A GP referral is recommended because it helps ensure the report goes to the right person and provides useful clinical context. However, if you don't have one, please contact us first — we can advise if this scan is appropriate for you.

Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist and a formal report is sent to your referring doctor within 2-3 working days.

Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves (not ionising radiation) and is considered very safe when performed by trained professionals.

Your report will describe any findings in detail. Your GP will review the results with you and advise on any follow-up tests or referrals that may be needed.

Coverage varies by insurer and your individual policy. Please check directly with your provider, as some plans may reimburse all, part, or none of the cost of outpatient ultrasound scans and consultant radiologist fees.

Ready to Book?

Available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Call 01 210 0232 Make an Appointment

Ready to Book Your Scan?

Our experienced team is available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Make an Appointment Call 01 210 0232