CT scan in London

Mayo Clinic Healthcare provides consultant-led CT scans in London at our clinic near Harley Street. We use advanced imaging technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body, helping your consultant identify the cause of your symptoms with clarity and confidence.

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A CT scan (computed tomography scan) is an advanced imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed images of your body.

Performed on site at our London clinic, a CT scan is painless and non-invasive. You may be referred for a scan by many of our consultants across various different specialties, including our cardiology team, our colorectal specialists, or our respiratory consultants, orthopaedic consultants or neurology consultants.
A CT scan can be used to assess different areas of the body to identify disease or injury with precision.

We assess your:

Heart and coronary arteries, which can detect coronary artery disease, narrow arteries, and calcium buildup

Brain and nervous system, detecting signs of stroke, brain injuries, and abnormalities such as tumours or haemorrhaging

Chest and lungs, to detect lung cancer, pulmonary embolism and aortic abnormalities

Digestive system, used to detect appendicitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal cancers

Musculoskeletal structures, used for bone fractures (including smaller fractures not visible on X-rays), spinal injuries and the spread of cancer to other areas

Vascular system, which assesses your blood vessels for signs of aneurysms

Your consultant will discuss with you whether a CT scan is the most appropriate option, or if an alternative imaging option is needed. This may be an MRI or an ultrasound.
A CT scan is usually simple to prepare for, and your consultant will give you clear instructions prior to your appointment.

In most cases, you should:

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes

Remove any metallic jewellery.

Inform your care team of any allergies, kidney problems, or if you are pregnant

Contrast dye may be applied intravenously, but your consultant will advise you of this beforehand.
The exact process of a CT scan varies depending on what is being scanned or whether you receive contrast dye, but typically, the following will happen.

You lie on a scanning bed that moves slowly into the CT scanner.

You will be asked to keep still, to prevent the images from blurring.

You will be asked to hold your breath for a short period of time - usually fewer than 20 seconds.

The scanner will take detailed pictures of the area.

The bed moves out of the machine once the scan is complete.

The actual scan time might be only a few minutes, but time may be needed pre- or post-scan.

Most people will be in and out of the clinic within 45 minutes.
You’ll be able to go home immediately after the scan.
Typically, your results will take 24 to 48 hours to come through. When you work with us, you benefit from access to the expertise of our 7,000 Mayo Clinic specialists across the UK and U.S. If necessary, your consultant will liaise with their colleagues of multiple disciplines to provide you with an answer you can have confidence in.
Diagnostic CT scans are painless and generally safe, although there will be a low level of ionising radiation. The machines we use are state-of-the-art and keep radiation to carefully controlled levels.

However, you will need to tell your consultant if:

You are pregnant

You have kidney issues

You have had a reaction to contrast dye before

The benefit of the scan outweighs the risk, but you should raise any concerns with your consultant. You can ask questions at any time.

Private health insurance

Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

Book a CT scan in London

Our team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps of your CT scan. Request an appointment with us today.