What to Wear

01The simple rule

The skin over the area being scanned needs to be easy to reach. That’s it. Loose, comfortable clothing that you can roll up, pull down or step out of works for almost every scan we do.

If you’d rather not undress in front of anyone, that’s completely fine. We provide a clean gown for every appointment, and you’ll have a private space to change. A chaperone is available on request, just let us know when you book.

02Abdomen & kidneys

Scan area: tummy, just below the ribs and around the sides.

What works well

• A loose top you can lift up to the chest, or a two-piece outfit.
• Trousers, leggings or a skirt with a soft waistband that can be folded down to the hips.

Best avoided

• Tight one-piece dresses, dungarees or jumpsuits.
• Tucked-in shirts under belts, or anything you’d need to fully remove to expose your tummy.

03AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) screening

Scan area: centre of the tummy, below the ribs.

What works well

• A loose top that lifts up easily.
• Bottoms with a soft waistband, which we can fold down to expose the lower tummy.

This is one of our quickest scans. If you’re more comfortable in a gown, just ask and we’ll have one ready.

04Hernia

Scan area: the groin, lower tummy, or wherever the bulge or pain is.

What works well

• Loose, easy-to-lower bottoms with a soft waistband.
• A separate top and bottom, so the tummy and groin can be reached without fully undressing.

You’ll be asked to stand and to lie down during the scan, so wear something you’d be comfortable doing both in. A gown is always available if you’d prefer.

05Lumps & bumps

Scan area: wherever the lump is.

What works well

• Something that lets you uncover the area without fully undressing. A T-shirt sleeve that rolls up, a vest top, a shirt that unbuttons, or shorts.

If the lump is somewhere awkward or hard to reach in your usual clothes, just change into the gown we provide. No need to plan around it.

06Testes & scrotum

Scan area: the scrotum and groin.

What works well

• Loose bottoms you can lower easily, with comfortable underwear underneath.
• A separate top, so you don’t need to undress fully.

You’ll be covered with a towel for the scan itself, and you’re welcome to change into a gown if you’d prefer. A chaperone is always available, just ask when you book or on the day.

07Shoulder, elbow, hand & wrist

Scan area: the relevant joint, plus a little of the surrounding muscle.

What works well

• Shoulder: a vest top, strappy top or T-shirt that allows full access to the shoulder, or a button-up shirt that can be opened on one side. A sports bra works well for women.
• Elbow, hand or wrist: any top with sleeves that roll up easily to above the elbow.

Best avoided

• Tight long-sleeved jumpers or anything with restrictive sleeves.
• High polo necks or anything that limits shoulder movement.

08Hip, knee, ankle, foot & calf

Scan area: the relevant joint or muscle.

What works well

• Hip: loose bottoms you can lower to the thigh, or soft shorts.
• Knee, ankle, foot, calf: shorts, a loose skirt, or trousers that roll up easily above the knee.
• Slip-on shoes or trainers, especially for foot and ankle scans, so they’re easy to remove.

Best avoided

• Skinny jeans or anything tight you can’t roll above the knee.
• Lace-up boots for foot or ankle scans.

If shorts aren’t practical for you, no problem. Bring whatever you’d like and change into our gown when you arrive.

09A few things that apply to everyone

• Gel. We use a clear water-based gel for every scan. It wipes off cleanly, but if you’re worried about a favourite top, wear something else.
• Jewellery. You may be asked to remove jewellery near the scan area. Easier to leave it at home than to remember where you put it.
• Bring a referral if you have one. Not required, but useful if you’ve already seen a GP or specialist.
• Running late? Give us a quick call so we can let you know whether we can still fit you in.