General Ultrasound Scanning in Birmingham & Leicestershire

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An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs which are displayed on a monitor screen. Ultrasound scanning is useful to assess soft tissue lumps, identify muscle, tendon and ligament injuries and evaluate fluid and inflammation in the joints.

At Midland Health, we have a team of experienced consultant radiologists and sonographers who perform all ultrasound scans. Our state-of-the-art facility in Birmingham includes private examination rooms where you will be surrounded by a calm and relaxing atmosphere. We also have use of treatment rooms at the Breedon Priory Health Club in Leicestershire, where we can carry out musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds. Our ultrasound specialists in Birmingham and Leicestershire will be there to put you at ease and answer any questions you may have before, during and after the procedure.

Painless and risk-free, the general ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic tool that will allow your doctor to assess your condition and provide you with an effective treatment plan. With appointments available on short notice and ultrasound results usually ready the same day, we can give you clarity and decide on the next steps to help you feel better with no waiting time. 

Midland Health does not provide scans on head or neck on adults.

Our Range of Ultrasound Services

An ultrasound may be recommended by your GP as the best way to diagnose certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, joint inflammation, breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid gland dysfunction, general genital problems and liver disease. 

In our private Birmingham-based clinic, we offer a wide range of ultrasound services, including: 

  • Abdomen Ultrasound: With an abdominal ultrasound, we can detect a number of issues including fatty liver disease, bladder stones, pancreatitis and cancer
  • Hernia Ultrasound: A hernia ultrasound helps confirm a hernia diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition so an appropriate treatment plan can be made
  • Kidney Ultrasound: Performing a kidney (renal) ultrasound is used to detect infection, tumours, cysts, abscesses, fluid collection, and obstructions by examining the size, shape and location of your left and right kidney
  • Testes Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging of the scrotum is a safe and painless diagnostic procedure used to identify the causes of pain and lumps in the testes, as well as to evaluate infertility issues  
  • Lumps & Bumps Ultrasound: If you are worried about lumps and bumps, we can perform an ultrasound scan to diagnose the cause of these abnormalities.

Our MSK Ultrasounds in Leicestershire

At Breedon Priory Health Club in Leicestershire, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound services, providing a comprehensive and non-invasive approach to analysing and diagnosing various conditions affecting different parts of the body. MSK ultrasounds play a pivotal role in the early detection and assessment of a wide range of musculoskeletal issues.

Here are some of the key conditions we routinely screen for:

  • Arthritis detection (effusions and synovitis)
  • Inflammation in hands and feet (indicating conditions like gout and Rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Muscle tears and haematoma identification
  • Ligament sprains and tears assessment
  • Tendon tears detection (rotator cuff, biceps, Achilles) and screening for tendinopathy and tenosynovitis
  • Evaluation of soft tissue abnormalities, including lipomas and lumps
  • Detection and assessment of Baker’s Cyst and ganglion cysts
  • Identification of foreign bodies (glass, metal, wood)
  • Screening for bursitis in shoulders, knees, and ankles
  • Evaluation of groin hernias for timely intervention and management.

Our MSK ultrasound services are designed to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community by offering advanced diagnostic capabilities in a convenient and comfortable setting. Our experienced and skilled healthcare professionals are committed to providing accurate and timely assessments, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their musculoskeletal health.

What to Expect from Your General Ultrasound Examination

The ultrasound scan procedure is painless and most require no preparation; with Midland Health, our GPs will put you at ease and talk you through every step of the way. The entire exam usually takes about 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect before, during and after the scan. 

Before the Procedure

Once you arrive, you will be invited into one of our private examination rooms. To prepare for the exams, you may be asked to remove your clothing. You will then be asked to lie down or sit down comfortably on a couch with drapes to protect your dignity. The lights in the room will be dimmed before the examination begins so our sonographer can see the ultrasound image more clearly on the screen. 

During the Procedure

The ultrasound specialist will apply a water-based gel to the examined area which may feel a little cold. Then, a hand-held device called a transducer will be applied to the area. This device sends high-frequency waves into the body and listens for the responding echo sound. Based on the information received, an ultrasound image is produced by a computer and appears on the screen in real-time. 

The ultrasound waves are inaudible to the human ear so you won’t hear any noise. You may feel a little pressure when the transducer is moved across the surface of the skin which can cause a little discomfort. However, the procedure is completely painless.

After the Procedure

Once the scan is complete, the gel will be wiped off and you will be asked to change back into your clothing in private. Then, our consultant radiographer will talk to you about the next steps, as well as how and when you will receive your results. After this, you will be allowed to go home immediately. 

For some conditions, it may be suggested you have an ultrasound-guided injection. This procedure involves a local anaesthetic, so you will not be able to drive home after an appointment. 

If you have any questions or concerns about an ultrasound that has been recommended, contact your Midland Health GP who will be happy to talk things through.

Trust Us

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services that are available exactly when you need them, especially in light of the lengthy waiting times for NHS appointments. Our cutting-edge private clinics are staffed by top-notch medical professionals ready to provide you with the care you require.

We differentiate ourselves by prioritising the following goals:

  • Offering prompt appointments with skilled paediatricians and sonographers.
  • Eliminating waiting lists and the need for GP referrals
  • Providing short-notice availability, allowing access to specialists as necessary
  • Delivering medical advice that is informed by the latest research and national guidelines
  • Providing access to innovative medical technology
  • Providing exceptional patient care

To schedule an appointment at our experienced private ultrasound clinic in Birmingham, contact us on 0121 769 0999.

Our Private Birmingham Clinic

We provide the best possible care at our state-of-the-art facilities in the renowned Edgbaston Village, housed in a beautiful, listed Georgian building within the Calthorpe Estate. Our skilled and compassionate medical professionals will accompany you or your child throughout the autism testing, diagnostics, and treatment process.

Our ultrasound clinic is conveniently located at Highfield Clinic, 23a Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DP.

Our MSK Scans in Leicestershire

We carry out our MSK Scans in Leicestershire at Breedon Priory Health Club, situated on the Leicestershire-Derbyshire border and in the heart of Leicester at Ophelia House. Your appointment at Breedon will take place in the specialised Health Hub within the Club, nestled amidst 20 acres of picturesque countryside. 

Addresses:

Breedon Priory Health Club
Green Lane
Wilson
Leicestershire
DE73 8LG

Ophelia House
41E (Rear) The Parade
Oadby
Leicester
LE25BB

Prices

One Area Ultrasound Scan

£160

With Sonographer

Two Area Ultrasound Scan

£320

With Sonographer

FAQ

What is a general ultrasound examination?

An ultrasound scan is an imaging procedure used to examine the soft tissues, organs and blood flow. It is performed using an ultrasound machine that sends and receives inaudible sound waves to and from various internal parts of the body.

What does the equipment look like?

Ultrasound machines are made up of three main components – a computer console, video monitor and a small hand-held device called a transducer. For some specific types of ultrasound scans, a probe is also attached to the transducer to access organs via a body cavity.

For example:

  • In a transesophageal echocardiogram, a probe is inserted into the oesophagus to make ultrasound images of the heart
  • To examine the prostate, your doctor may perform a transrectal ultrasound which involves inserting a probe into the rectum
  • A transvaginal ultrasound can be used to obtain clear images of the uterus and ovaries by inserting a probe into the vagina

How does the ultrasound procedure work?

The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the examined area of the body and transmits the echoing (return) sound back to the computer. The computer registers the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves and interprets the information in the context of the type of tissue to produce a real-time image of the area which is displayed on the video monitor. This is the same principle used by sonars on boats and ships.

The ultrasound machine can determine how far echo waves have travelled to calculate the location of the examined object and it can also provide information about its size, consistency and shape. Our specialist sonographers can use this imaging technique to detect abnormalities such as fluid retention, infection, cysts and tumours.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the scan?

General ultrasounds don’t require any preparation. Sometimes, depending on the procedure, you may be asked to drink 4-6 glasses of water an hour before the scan or to stop eating or drinking up to 12 hours before the scan.

Also, it’s advised to wear comfortable, loose clothing to provide easy access to the area that will be examined. In some cases, you may be asked to remove clothing and we would use drapes to respect your dignity.

What does the procedure feel like?

During an ultrasound scan, you may occasionally experience some slight discomfort but the procedure is generally painless.

How long does the procedure last?

A general ultrasound usually takes no longer than 30 minutes but in some cases, it may take up to one hour.

When will I get my general ultrasound results?

Usually, ultrasound results are available the same day to discuss with your doctor. The report will be shared with the requesting doctor.

What are the benefits of doing a general ultrasound?

Ultrasound scanning is one of the most widely used diagnostic imaging techniques due to its numerous advantages. The procedure is:

  • Non-invasive
  • Painless
  • Safe and uses no radiation (unlike X-rays)
  • Safe for expectant mothers and their unborn babies
  • Done in real time
  • Less expensive
  • Capable of producing clear soft tissue images that can’t be achieved by an X-ray

What are the disadvantages of an ultrasound scan?

The ultrasound procedure has several limitations, so it is not recommended for examining:

  • Air-filled lungs or bowels as the imaging can be affected by air or gas
  • Bone structures as the sound cannot penetrate bones; an MRI is preferred in this scenario
  • Overweight patients as the thickness of the soft tissue may weaken the soundwaves

Are there any risks associated with ultrasound scanning?

No, there currently are no known negative effects of ultrasound scans on the human body.

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