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Ultrasound services at Glove Clinic

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to show your internal organs. It is painless, uses no radiation and needs no contrast injection, so it is safe to repeat. At Glove Clinic, you are examined in a private, non-judgmental setting that welcomes people of all genders. Our doctor explains your results after the scan and plans any follow-up care with you in one place, alongside our blood tests, STI testing and sexual health services.

Annual health check with ultrasound

Many conditions, such as fatty liver, kidney stones, thyroid nodules or uterine fibroids, cause no symptoms early on, and blood tests alone may not show them. Adding ultrasound to your annual check-up lets the doctor see your organs directly and plan care early.

Why have your check-up at Glove Clinic

  • Blood tests and ultrasound in one place, in one short visit
  • Our doctor explains your results personally and answers your questions
  • A private, non-judgmental setting that welcomes people of all genders
  • General health and sexual health checks in a single visit

Recommended packages

Package Ultrasound included Suitable for
Basic check-up Liver, kidneys Anyone wanting a general annual check-up
Women’s check-up Liver, kidneys, lower abdomen, breast, thyroid Women wanting a comprehensive check of key organs
Men’s check-up Liver, kidneys, lower abdomen (prostate), thyroid Men, especially aged 40 and over
Heart and vascular Carotid arteries People with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking or a family history
Long-term care Liver, kidneys (plus carotid depending on risk) People on PrEP, living with HIV, or living with hepatitis B or C

Every package can be combined with blood tests and adjusted for trans people using hormone therapy. Our doctor will help you choose the package that fits your age, sex and risk factors.

How often: Usually once a year, or as your doctor advises if you have a chronic condition or an abnormal finding.

 

Ultrasound services at Glove Clinic

 

1. Liver ultrasound

Many liver conditions, such as fatty liver or liver masses, cause no symptoms in their early stages. An ultrasound can reveal changes before symptoms appear.

What it can show

  • Fatty liver and its approximate severity
  • Liver texture suggesting chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
  • Cysts, masses or tumors in the liver
  • Gallstones and bile duct abnormalities

Who it is for

  • People living with hepatitis B or C, who are usually advised to have regular monitoring
  • People living with HIV, or taking long-term medication that may affect the liver
  • People who are overweight, have diabetes or high cholesterol, or drink alcohol regularly
  • People with abnormal liver blood tests or discomfort in the upper right abdomen

Preparation: No food for at least 6–8 hours before the scan. Plain water is fine.

Duration: About 15–20 minutes

 

2. Kidney ultrasound

Your kidneys filter waste from your body. Some problems, such as kidney stones or cysts, may cause no symptoms until they grow. An ultrasound shows the structure of your kidneys and complements blood tests of kidney function.

What it can show

  • Size and shape of both kidneys
  • Kidney stones
  • Cysts or masses in the kidneys
  • Swelling of the kidney caused by a blocked urinary tract (hydronephrosis)

Who it is for

  • People with back or flank pain, blood in the urine, or a history of kidney stones
  • People with diabetes or high blood pressure
  • People with abnormal kidney function blood tests
  • People taking long-term medication that may affect the kidneys, such as PrEP or some HIV treatments, as advised by the doctor

Preparation: No fasting needed. Drink water as usual. If your bladder is examined at the same time, arrive with a full bladder.

Duration: About 15 minutes

 

3. Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound helps tell whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. It is especially useful for dense breast tissue, which is common in Asian women and younger people.

What it can show

  • Lumps, cysts or growths in the breast
  • Features of a lump that help the doctor decide whether to monitor it or investigate further
  • Lymph nodes in the armpit

Who it is for

  • People who feel a lump, have breast pain, or notice nipple discharge
  • Women under 40, or anyone with dense breast tissue
  • People with a family history of breast cancer
  • Trans women receiving estrogen therapy
  • People whose doctor recommends ultrasound alongside a mammogram

Good to know: For women aged 40 and over, the standard breast cancer screening test is a mammogram. Ultrasound is used alongside it, and your doctor will advise which test suits you.

Preparation: No fasting needed. Avoid lotion or powder on your chest on the day of the scan. If you still have periods, the best time is 7–10 days after the first day of your period.

Duration: About 15–20 minutes

 

4. Lower abdominal ultrasound for women

Pelvic pain, very painful periods or irregular bleeding may be caused by the uterus or ovaries. An ultrasound through the abdomen lets the doctor assess your pelvic organs without an internal examination.

What it can show

  • Uterine fibroids and the thickness of the uterine lining
  • Ovarian cysts or masses, including features consistent with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Features that may suggest endometrioma (chocolate cyst) or endometriosis
  • The bladder

Who it is for

  • People with chronic pelvic pain or unusually painful periods
  • People with heavy, irregular or spotting periods
  • People wanting an annual health check or planning a pregnancy
  • Trans men receiving testosterone therapy, as advised by the doctor

Good to know: Ultrasound does not replace cervical cancer screening (Pap smear or HPV test), which should be done separately as your doctor recommends.

Preparation: You need a full bladder. Drink 4–6 glasses of water about 1 hour before the scan and do not empty your bladder until the scan is finished.

Duration: About 15–20 minutes

 

5. Lower abdominal ultrasound for men

Frequent urination, waking at night to urinate, or feeling that your bladder is not empty are common as men get older. An ultrasound checks the size of the prostate and how well the bladder empties.

What it can show

  • Prostate size, to help assess an enlarged prostate
  • The bladder wall, and stones or growths in the bladder
  • How much urine remains after urinating

Who it is for

  • Men who urinate often, have difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or a feeling of incomplete emptying
  • Men with blood in the urine
  • Men aged 50 and over wanting an annual health check

Good to know: An abdominal ultrasound does not replace prostate cancer screening. Your doctor may recommend a PSA blood test as well.

Preparation: You need a full bladder. Drink 4–6 glasses of water about 1 hour before the scan.

Duration: About 15–20 minutes

 

6. Carotid artery ultrasound

The carotid arteries in your neck carry blood to your brain. If fatty plaque builds up and narrows them, the risk of stroke may increase. Ultrasound with Doppler shows the artery walls and how blood is flowing.

What it can show

  • Thickness of the artery wall
  • Plaque on the artery wall
  • Narrowing of the artery and the speed of blood flow

Who it is for

  • People with risk factors for vascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking
  • People with a family history of stroke or heart disease
  • People living with HIV who have other risk factors, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population
  • People whose doctor recommends a further assessment of vascular risk

Important: If you suddenly develop a drooping face, weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech or loss of vision, these may be signs of a stroke. Go to a hospital or call 1669 immediately. Do not wait for an appointment.

Preparation: No fasting needed. Wear a top with an open neckline.

Duration: About 20–30 minutes

 

7. Thyroid ultrasound

Thyroid nodules are common, and most are not cancer, but they should be assessed. Ultrasound is the main test that helps the doctor decide whether a nodule needs monitoring or further investigation.

What it can show

  • Thyroid size and goiter
  • Nodules or cysts in the thyroid, with an assessment of their features
  • Lymph nodes in the neck

Who it is for

  • People who feel a lump or notice swelling in the neck
  • People with abnormal thyroid function blood tests
  • People with a family history of thyroid cancer, or past radiation to the head or neck
  • People with unexplained difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice

Good to know: If a nodule looks suspicious, the doctor may recommend a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy at a hospital or facility that offers it.

Preparation: No fasting needed. Wear a top with an open neckline and remove any necklace before the scan.

Duration: About 15 minutes

Frequently asked questions

Which ultrasound scans are available at GLOVE CLINIC?

Services include liver, kidney, breast, carotid artery and thyroid scans, plus lower abdominal scans to assess the uterus and ovaries or the prostate and bladder. Your doctor selects the examination based on your symptoms, history and the organs being assessed. Tell the team your concerns before booking so they can arrange the appropriate examination.

Does ultrasound use radiation or cause pain?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, not X-rays. For an external scan, gel is applied and a probe is moved over the skin. It is usually painless, although pressure, an already tender area or a full bladder may cause some discomfort. Tell the examiner if you feel pain during the scan.

Do I need to fast or have a full bladder before my scan?

Preparation depends on the area examined. A liver scan may require fasting, while a lower abdominal or bladder scan may require drinking water and keeping your bladder full. Breast, carotid and thyroid scans generally do not require fasting. Ask the clinic for specific instructions, mention diabetes, regular medicines or fluid restrictions, and do not stop medication yourself.

How long does an ultrasound take, and when will I get the results?

The clinic's service information estimates about 15–30 minutes per area, depending on the scan. Examining several areas may take longer. Your doctor will explain the findings and next steps after the examination. Confirm appointment timing and report availability in advance, especially if you need the report for another healthcare provider.

Can ultrasound diagnose cancer with certainty or replace other tests?

Ultrasound helps assess organ structure and the appearance of lumps, but it cannot detect or confirm every cancer. An abnormal finding may require additional tests or a tissue sample. Breast ultrasound does not replace mammography in all cases, and lower abdominal ultrasound does not replace a Pap smear, HPV test or necessary blood tests.

Do I need an ultrasound every year if I have no symptoms?

Not everyone does. Scans should be selected according to symptoms, medical history, risk and expected benefit, rather than automatically scanning every organ each year. In particular, carotid ultrasound is not recommended as routine screening for asymptomatic adults in the general population. Your doctor can advise which examinations and follow-up intervals are appropriate.