CT

At Parkside Private Hospital, our team of highly experienced radiographers and radiologists carry out thousands of CT scans every year at our onsite Diagnostic Imaging Suite.

Providing excellent personalised care in a safe, comfortable and friendly environment is always our priority – but we know that convenient and flexible appointment times are also important and our CT scanning services are available 6 days a week:

Monday to Friday: 9am- 5pm

Saturday: 9am – 1pm (alternative Saturdays)

Same-day appointments are sometimes available, although specialised examinations may need to be performed at specific times during the week.

How do I book a CT scan?

We welcome all patients, regardless of whether or not you are already registered with us. You will need to either be referred by a GP or Consultant.

You can email your referral securely on appointments@parkside-hospital.co.uk

To find out more or to book an appointment, you can contact us through our online enquiry form, or call us on 020 8971 8026

What is a CT scan?

CT (computed tomography) scans use X-rays that rotate around the body to create a series of cross-sectional images, which combine to produce a detailed 3D image of your internal body structures and organs. CT scans are generally safe and non-invasive and are frequently used to investigate and help diagnose a wide range of conditions and injuries.

CT scans can be particularly useful for the accurate early detection of certain conditions. CT technology can also be used to facilitate other procedures, including guided injections into the spinal facet joints or steroid injections into the hips for pain relief – enabling the consultant to closely and accurately see where they are injecting.

Preparing for your CT scan

 Once your appointment is booked, we will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for your CT scan.

CT scans are generally safe, although you may be advised to have a different type of scan if you are pregnant. You will also be asked to remove jewellery and any metal or other objects that may interfere with the scan images (such as dentures and glasses). You may also be asked to change into a gown. Your radiographer will talk you through everything before the scan begins.

Sometimes, using a contrast dye may be required to make certain tissues more visible. If this is the case, the dye will be administered as an injection into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. However, this isn’t always necessary. If it is used, the dye will later pass through your body naturally and colourlessly in your urine.

What happens during a CT scan?

You will be asked to lie on a flatbed, and once you are comfortable the bed will slowly move into the scanner. This looks like a very large ring which rotates around a small section of your body as you pass through it.

CT scanners are not particularly noisy and you won’t feel anything while the scan is taking place. However, you will need to keep very still as movement can affect the quality of the images. The radiographer will be able to communicate with you during the scan via an intercom.

CT scans usually take around 10-20 minutes. While most people find CT scans completely fine, we understand that some people can feel a bit claustrophobic or anxious. Tell your radiographer if you are concerned, as they will be able to provide advice to help you feel calm. You will be able to go home and carry on as normal afterwards. However, if the contrast dye was used, you may be advised to wait in the hospital for up to 30 minutes to make sure you don’t have a reaction to it. The dye is usually completely harmless and nothing to worry about, although there is always a small risk of an allergic reaction.