CT scans are sometimes referred to as CAT scans or computed tomography scans.

Our CT scan scanning services are used for major trauma, hyperacute stroke, inpatient and outpatient specialist and non-specialist imaging. 

CT scans are used to produce detailed images of many structures inside the body, including the internal organs, blood vessels and bones. They can be used to diagnose conditions, inform further tests or treatments or for
monitoring conditions.

Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare for your scan. For example, you may be advised to avoid eating anything for several hours before your appointment to help make sure clear images are taken.

You may also be given a special dye called a contrast before your scan to help improve the quality of the images.

The scan will usually take around 10 to 20 minutes.

More information

You can be referred for a CT scan by your GP, hospital clinician or specialist practitioner nurse within their scope of practice.

If your scan is of an urgent nature you should hear about your CT scan within two weeks of the Radiology Department receiving it. If your scan is of a non-urgent nature your scan appointment can be up to six weeks after the radiology department has received your request. 

Once the scan is complete a specialist doctor called a radiologist will report your scan. The results will then be available to your referrer, who will contact you to arrange for you to receive them.