CT Scan
Also known as: CAT scan, X-ray tomography, CT imaging, tomographic scan
A CT scan is performed using a special x-ray machine which produces a cross-sectional image of the body.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) scans use medical radiation and have various applications and advancements, such as Dual Energy CT, which enhances imaging capabilities. The risks and benefits of having medical radiation are justified by the referring Consultant and a Consultant Radiologist prior to any scan being undertaken: the scan will not be undertaken unless it is deemed necessary to help indicate the diagnosis and to make the correct treatment decision.
We are all exposed to natural background radiation. This comes from the ground, building materials, food and even from outer space (cosmic rays). Each medical CT examination gives us a small additional dose on top of this natural background radiation.
Medical radiation doses are too low to produce immediate harmful effects. The effect of having a CT scan is a possible increase in the lifetime cancer risk due to radiation exposure.
Despite these slight risks, your doctor believes it is advisable that you should have this examination to avoid missing a potential diagnosis.
Why you might need a CT scan
A CT scan is a highly effective medical imaging procedure that utilizes X-rays and computer technology to generate detailed images of the interior of your body. There are several reasons why your physician might suggest a CT scan:
- Diagnosing Medical Conditions: CT scans are invaluable for diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and internal injuries. They provide detailed images that help doctors identify abnormalities and make accurate diagnoses. CT images are crucial in cancer treatment for detecting and diagnosing cancer.
- Monitoring Disease Progression: If you have a known medical condition, such as coronary artery disease or cancer, CT scans can be used to monitor the progression of the disease. This helps your healthcare provider adjust your treatment plan as needed.
- Planning Treatment: CT scans are often used to plan treatments like surgery or radiation therapy. The detailed images help doctors determine the best approach and ensure precision during procedures.
- Checking Treatment Effectiveness: After undergoing treatment, a CT scan can help assess its effectiveness. For example, it can show whether a tumour has shrunk after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. CT images play a significant role in evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
- Detecting Internal Injuries or Bleeding: In emergency situations, CT scans are crucial for detecting internal injuries or bleeding, which might not be visible through other diagnostic methods.
- Guiding Biopsies and Procedures: CT scans can also guide doctors during biopsies or other procedures, ensuring they target the correct area.
CT scans are commonly used to image the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and blood vessels. Their ability to create detailed images makes them an essential tool in modern medicine.
Types of CT scans
There are several types of CT scans, each designed to create detailed images of specific areas of the body, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. Here are some of the most common types:
- CT scans of the Organs: These scans provide comprehensive images of internal organs and structures, such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys. They are essential for diagnosing conditions like infections, tumours, and organ damage.
- CT scans of the Head: Used to create detailed images of the brain and skull, these scans are crucial for diagnosing strokes, brain tumours, and head injuries. They help doctors understand the extent of brain damage and plan appropriate treatments.
- CT scans of the Chest: These scans focus on the lungs and chest cavity, making them invaluable for diagnosing lung cancer, pneumonia, and coronary artery disease. They help in assessing the health of the heart and lungs and planning treatments accordingly.
- CT scans of the Abdomen: These scans provide detailed images of abdominal organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. They are often used to diagnose conditions such as liver disease, pancreatic cancer, and gastrointestinal issues.
- CT scans of the Pelvis: These scans focus on the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and ovaries. They are essential for diagnosing conditions like bladder cancer, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
Each type of CT scan is tailored to provide the most accurate and detailed images possible, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about your care.
Contrast agents
A contrast dye can improve the accuracy of a CT scan by showing the blood supply to organs more clearly. It is administered via an injection that lasts between ten and thirty seconds. It is not necessary for all scans.
Contrast dye may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, kidney problems or allergies. The Radiographer will ask you some questions prior to the scan to determine if you are able to have it, or not.
Kidney function scan
At OSD Healthcare, we have a Stat Sensor Unit that enables us to accurately assess kidney function within 30 seconds, avoiding the need to wait for laboratory results or to delay the scan.
Before the scan
A GMC registered doctor such as a consultant or GP will be able to refer you.
You will be seen by a Radiographer who will prepare and support you throughout the scanning process.
You may be given instructions that relate to the part of the body being scanned. For example, patients are asked not to eat anything for 2 hours before an abdominal scan.
If you are having a CT scan of your chest, abdomen or pelvis, you may be required to drink water or a fluid called oral contrast, before the scan is performed. If you are required to have the oral contrast, you will be asked to arrive at the department 1–2 hours before your appointment time and will be given instructions on how to take it.
Just before your scan, you will be asked to change into a gown.
You will be taken into the CT room and made comfortable on a couch. A few seconds before the scan starts, you may be given an injection of a dye (or contrast medium) into a vein in your arm via a cannula. The couch will then move slowly so that the part of your body being scanned is positioned within the gantry. If you require the contrast injection, you will typically experience a warm feeling passing around your body, or a metallic taste in your mouth. You may feel some discomfort from the cannula being in your arm, but it will be removed before you leave the department, 30 minutes after your scan.
During the scan
When you enter the CT scanner, the CT machine will use lights to check that you are positioned properly. You will hear some buzzing, clicking, and whirring sounds as the CT scanner revolves around you during the procedure.
The scanner consists of a ‘doughnut-shaped’ structure called a gantry which has a hole in the centre of approximately 75 cm in diameter, that you pass through while lying on a couch.
X-rays are produced from inside the gantry, where an X-ray tube generates the X-rays used in the scanning process. The gantry rotates in a circle around you whilst you lay still. The x-ray beams pass through your body and are detected by electronic sensors on the other side of the gantry. This information is then passed to a computer which produces a picture of the internal structure of your body.
The Radiographer will go into a different room whilst the scan is in progress, but you will be able to talk to them at any point throughout the procedure via an intercom; they will watch and be able to hear you at all times.
During the scan, you may be asked to temporarily hold your breath or not swallow while the images are being produced. However, you can tell the radiographer immediately if you feel any discomfort or apprehension.
After the scan
If you are given an injection, you will be asked to remain in the imaging department for 30 minutes after the scan is complete.
The Consultant Radiologist will write a report based on the images acquired during your scan. This report will be sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours.
You can resume normal activities immediately after the scan is complete.
Once your CT scan is completed, your healthcare provider will examine the images and share the results with you. The time it takes to receive these results can differ; they might be ready immediately, or it may take a few days or weeks for them to be fully processed and communicated.
A PET scan can be combined with a CT scan to provide more comprehensive imaging. This combination, known as a PET CT scan, is used for various applications, such as detecting cancer, evaluating brain disorders, and assessing heart conditions.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and explain their significance. If the results indicate any abnormalities or concerns, your provider will outline the next steps, which may include additional testing or treatment.
It’s important to ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about your CT scan results, such as:
- What do the results show?
- What do the results mean for my health?
- What are the next steps in my care?
- Are there any additional tests or treatments needed?
- What are the risks and benefits of any recommended treatments?
Understanding your CT scan results is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare. By actively engaging with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in managing your health and well-being.
Getting Your Results
After your CT scan, your doctor will review the images and provide you with the results. The timeframe for receiving your CT scan results can vary depending on the type of scan and the reason for it. Here’s what you can expect:
- Understanding Your Results: It’s crucial to understand the findings of your CT scan. Your doctor will explain the results, highlighting any abnormalities or significant findings. This discussion will help you comprehend what the results mean for your health and any potential next steps.
- Follow-Up Tests: Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend additional tests or procedures. These follow-up tests are essential for further diagnosing or treating any conditions that the CT scan may have revealed.
Your healthcare provider will ensure you understand the significance of your CT scan results and will guide you through any necessary follow-up steps. This process is vital for making informed decisions about your health and ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Referral
To begin, you will need a referral from your doctor in order to schedule an appointment with the imaging department for your CT scan.
Preparation
Before the procedure, the technician will explain the steps involved. If you are receiving a contrast dye (which helps enhance the images), you may need to refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before the scan. For certain CT scans, you might also be asked to remove clothing from the area being scanned or wear a hospital gown. If the scan involves contrast material, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted to administer the dye.
Positioning
You will be asked to lie down on a specialized table, which will then move you into the CT scanner—a large, doughnut-shaped machine. During the scan, the technician might request that you briefly hold your breath to prevent movement and obtain clear images.
Image Production
The CT scanner uses a rotating X-ray device to take multiple images from different angles. These images are combined by a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images (also called tomographic scans). If contrast dye is used, you might feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth as the dye enters your bloodstream, but this is a normal part of the process.
Image Interpretation
The images produced by the CT scan will be reviewed by a Consultant Radiologist. They will analyse the images to look for any abnormalities such as tumours, fractures, or internal bleeding. Based on the findings, they may recommend further tests or treatments.
Follow Up
If any abnormalities have been detected during the scan, you will attend a follow-up appointment with a consultant to discuss next steps relating to your treatment plan.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
Guide price: from £700
See below for pricing details
Price depends on number of areas scanned
| 1 part: | £700 |
| 2 parts: | £955 |
| 3 parts: | £1,140 |
| 4 parts: | £1,435 |
| Contrast Agent: | £120 |
| CT Guided injections: | £1,235 |
| CT Cardiac: | £1,235 |
FAQs
While CT scans are generally safe, it’s important to be aware of some risks and safety considerations:
- Radiation Exposure: CT scans involve the use of ionizing radiation, which may slightly increase the risk of developing cancer. However, the radiation levels in a CT scan are relatively low, and the benefits of achieving an accurate diagnosis typically outweigh these risks.
- Contrast Agents: Some CT scans require the use of contrast agents to enhance the images. While these agents are generally safe, they can cause allergic reactions or kidney problems in some individuals. Your healthcare provider will assess your medical history to determine if a contrast agent is suitable for you.
- Radiation Dose: The radiation dose from a CT scan can vary depending on the type of scan and the area being imaged. Modern CT scanners are designed to use the lowest possible dose of radiation while still providing high-quality images.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: CT scans are typically not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the potential risks to the developing foetus or baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your healthcare provider so they can consider alternative imaging methods.
To minimise the risks associated with CT scans, follow these guidelines:
- Adhere to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the CT scan technologist.
- Inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions or allergies you have.
- Avoid unnecessary CT scans and follow recommended radiation safety guidelines.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your CT scan is as safe as possible.