A liver and gallbladder ultrasound is a non-invasive scan that assesses the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts when a clinician needs to investigate right-upper abdominal pain, gallstone-type symptoms or abnormal liver blood tests. It may guide the next step, but it cannot exclude every hepatobiliary cause of symptoms.
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation to create real-time images. Your examination is selected around your symptoms, clinical history and the body area that needs assessment.
At Victoria Medical, the scan is performed through an appropriate clinical pathway. The sonographer will explain the practical steps, and you will receive clear information about reporting and any recommended follow-up.
Written & reviewed by
Dr George Xynopoulos
Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763 · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763
Clinical review date: 22 August 2026
What a Liver and Gallbladder Ultrasound Can Assess
This examination is often considered where symptoms or blood results suggest a hepatobiliary cause. Small duct stones, some inflammatory conditions and causes outside the liver and gallbladder may need blood tests, MRCP, CT or another clinical pathway. It does not replace urgent assessment for severe pain, jaundice with fever or a seriously unwell presentation.
| Area assessed | Why it may be examined |
|---|---|
| Liver | Size, texture and focal changes |
| Gallbladder | Stones, sludge, polyps or inflammation-related features |
| Bile ducts | Dilatation or obstruction-related features |
Preparation Before Your Appointment
Please do not eat for six hours before the appointment unless the clinic gives you different instructions. Small amounts of water are usually permitted. Fasting helps keep the gallbladder distended and can improve image quality.
Preparation summary: Fast for 6 hours — Water is allowed unless the clinic advises otherwise.
What Happens During the Scan
Gel is applied to the abdomen and a probe is moved across the upper abdomen. You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath so the relevant organs can be seen clearly.
- Bring any relevant referral letter, previous scan report or test result if you have one.
- Wear clothing that allows straightforward access to the area being examined.
- Tell the clinical team if you are unsure whether this is the right scan for your symptoms.
Results and Next Steps
The clinic explains the reporting process and the appropriate follow-up route for your examination at booking. The examination forms one part of your clinical assessment, so the appropriate next step depends on the scan findings, your symptoms and relevant history. We can help arrange GP, specialist or urgent-care follow-up where this is clinically appropriate.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Seek urgent assessment for severe or persistent right-upper abdominal pain, fever with jaundice, repeated vomiting, fainting, black or bloody vomit, collapse or a rapidly worsening condition.
Ultrasound is not a substitute for emergency assessment. If symptoms are severe, sudden, worsening or accompanied by fainting, breathing difficulty, fever, heavy bleeding or acute testicular pain, seek urgent medical help.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Check your preparation
Water is allowed unless the clinic advises otherwise.
Attend your appointment
Our clinic is at 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, two minutes from Victoria Station.
Have your scan
The sonographer explains the examination and captures real-time images of the relevant area.
Understand next steps
You receive information about reporting and any clinically appropriate follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
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