Size & volume
Measure the prostate accurately, useful for PSA density.
A private transrectal prostate ultrasound with Shear Wave Elastography and colour Doppler — a detailed look at the prostate in one appointment.
Three views of the prostate.Choose your clinic and view appointment options in our online booking system.
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A transrectal scan gives a close, detailed view of the prostate. Elastography measures tissue stiffness and Doppler shows blood flow — areas that differ can be highlighted for your urologist.
Measure the prostate accurately, useful for PSA density.
Map tissue stiffness across the gland.
Show blood flow and areas of increased vascularity.
Check the seminal vesicles and surrounding tissue.
Prostate Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive imaging technique designed to assess the stiffness and vascular characteristics of the prostate. When combined with Colour Doppler, this multi-parametric approach significantly enhances the detection and characterization of prostate conditions — particularly prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men worldwide.
Shear waves are generated within the prostate gland and their speed — which increases in stiffer (potentially cancerous) tissues — is measured and displayed as a colour-coded map (elastogram). Colour Doppler simultaneously evaluates blood flow, further improving diagnostic precision.
If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, elevated PSA, or simply prioritising proactive men’s health screening, this advanced ultrasound scan provides a thorough and accurate assessment of your prostate.
From getting ready to discussing what comes next, here is a simple guide to your appointment.
A question before you book? Call usPSA results, urinary symptoms and any previous MRI or biopsy.
You lie on your side. A slim, lubricated probe is gently placed in the back passage. It may feel a little uncomfortable but should not hurt. It is painless and takes about 20 minutes.
The sonographer talks you through what they have seen, and your written report follows within 24 hours — ready to share with your GP or specialist.
Choose the location that works for you. Confirm your selected clinic in the booking system before completing your appointment.
Need something more personal?
Speak to the team before booking.
No. You can book directly. If your GP or specialist has asked for this scan, bring their letter so the sonographer knows what to focus on.
Yes. You can ask for a chaperone at any time.
The sonographer explains the main findings, and your written report follows within 24 hours.
Being unable to pass urine is an emergency. Go to A&E or call 999.
Prostate Shear Wave Elastography is a sophisticated ultrasound imaging technique that measures the stiffness of prostate tissue. It generates shear waves within the prostate gland and analyzes their speed to determine tissue stiffness, which helps in identifying areas that may be affected by conditions such as prostate cancer.
While traditional prostate ultrasound relies on visual assessment of the prostate gland to identify abnormalities, Prostate SWE provides quantitative data on tissue stiffness. This additional information can improve the accuracy of distinguishing between benign and potentially malignant prostate lesions.
Prostate SWE may be recommended for men who have elevated PSA levels, abnormal findings on digital rectal exams, or those undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer. It’s particularly useful for identifying areas within the prostate that may require further evaluation through biopsy.
The Prostate SWE procedure is typically performed transrectally, similar to a standard transrectal ultrasound. While the procedure may cause some discomfort, it is generally well-tolerated and considered less invasive than other diagnostic methods like biopsy.
While Prostate SWE can provide valuable information about the stiffness of prostate tissue and help guide biopsy decisions, it does not replace the need for a biopsy in confirming the presence of prostate cancer. Biopsy remains the definitive method for diagnosing prostate cancer.
The procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the specifics of the case. It is a relatively quick process that provides immediate results for analysis.
Typically, no special preparation is required for Prostate SWE. However, patients may be advised to follow specific instructions related to bowel preparation or to arrive with a full bladder, depending on the protocol of the imaging center.
Prostate SWE is a safe and non-invasive procedure with minimal risks. The most common side effects are temporary discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the transrectal ultrasound probe insertion. There is no exposure to ionizing radiation.
Prostate SWE has shown promise in increasing the accuracy of prostate cancer detection, especially in conjunction with traditional imaging and biopsy results. However, its effectiveness can vary based on the operator’s experience and the specific characteristics of the prostate tissue being examined.
Use the booking form on this page and follow its Next buttons. Choose your scan option and appointment time, enter the requested details, then review the price before completing the booking.
Book your prostate elastography scan below. Follow the booking form’s Next buttons to continue, one step at a time.
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Call the teamBooking this alongside another scan? Each scan keeps its own preparation. If anything is unclear, call us on 020 3318 1373 before your visit.
If you feel unwell, seek medical advice. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For urgent concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.
Further reading: NHS guidance on prostate enlargement
Please select Appointment type and Branch location to see time slots for booking- alternatively, please contact us via the chat, call or email, 020-3318-1373
Please check what preparation is needed before your ultrasound scan below:
| All Pelvic scans Kidney and Urinary tract Prostate & Urinary Tract Appendicitis Early Pregnancy Scan | Drink One Liter of still water (2 Pints) One hour before your scan. Do NOT use the toilet so you would arrive with a full bladder. Medication can be taken as normal. |
| Liver scans Upper Abdomen Liver Fibroscan (Liver Elastography) | Do NOT eat for 6 hours prior to scan time. |
| Combination of above scans | Same as respective scan’s preparation. |