Concierge radiology · London
Private CT colonography in London, virtual colonoscopy without a scope.
A radiologist-led alternative to standard colonoscopy — with the same bowel-cancer screening yield in many patients, and a fast route to colonoscopy if a polyp is found.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Radiologist-led reads
A consultant abdominal radiologist with CTC expertise reports every scan — not a generalist.
- 02
Same-day report
Findings back the same day, with a clear next step and — if needed — a fast route to colonoscopy.
- 03
Honest about the prep
It’s not colonoscopy prep, but it isn’t nothing. We explain exactly what the day before involves.
Indicative pricing
What a private CT colonography costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard CTC in our network: £750–£1,400, with a same-day radiologist report.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) | £750–£1,400 | 30 min | Same-day |
| CTC + FIT stool test | £850–£1,500 | Bundle | 5–7 days |
| CTC + gastroenterology consultation | £950–£1,800 | 90 min | Same visit |
| Diagnostic follow-up colonoscopy (if needed) | £1,600–£3,200 | Half-day | Same visit |
| CTC + polyp surveillance plan | £900–£1,700 | Bundle | 5–7 days |
| Urgent same-week CTC | £1,000–£2,000 | Half-day | Same-week |
Prices vary by unit and whether a FIT test or gastroenterology consultation is bundled in. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Not everyone can — or wants to — have a colonoscopy.
Sedation, time off, blood-thinners, the camera itself — there are real reasons people put off looking at their bowel. CT colonography is the well-evidenced alternative when it’s the right test for you.
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Can’t stop blood-thinners?
No biopsies means anticoagulation continues — a real advantage over colonoscopy.
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Want to avoid sedation?
CTC is a scan, not a procedure. No sedation, no driving restriction, home in 30 minutes.
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Colonoscopy didn’t complete?
A common indication — CTC finishes the map of the colon without repeating the camera.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to same-day results — including the direct pathway if colonoscopy is needed.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 minutes at the unit
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, prior tests, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether CTC is the right test, which unit, indicative price. If a colonoscopy is the better first step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We send the bowel preparation, explain it clearly, and review any medication.
- 04
On the day
Check-in and cannula
You change, meet the radiographer, and a small cannula is placed for a muscle-relaxing injection.
- 05
On the day
The scan itself
About 15 minutes on the scanner. CO₂ is used to gently open the bowel; you’re scanned lying on your back and then front.
- 06
On the day
You go home
No sedation, no driving restriction. Most people leave within 30 minutes of finishing.
- 07
After
Same-day report and next step
A consultant abdominal radiologist reports the scan the same day. If a polyp needs removal, we book colonoscopy on a direct pathway.
Typical end-to-end: 1 week. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
When CTC is — and isn’t — the right test.
CTC answers many bowel questions well. It isn’t the right first test for red-flag symptoms — colonoscopy is.
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Bowel-cancer screening alternative
For patients who want a non-invasive option in place of standard colonoscopy.
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Investigation of GI symptoms
A first-line look at the colon when symptoms are non-specific.
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For frail patients unable to tolerate colonoscopy
Avoids sedation and the risk profile of therapeutic endoscopy.
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Polyp surveillance in low-risk patients
Sensitive for polyps ≥6mm; a reasonable interval test in the right patient.
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Cancer staging (extracolonic)
Assesses adjacent organs and lymph nodes at the same time as the colon.
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Incomplete prior colonoscopy
A common indication when the caecum wasn’t reached at endoscopy.
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Contraindication to colonoscopy
For example, anticoagulation that can’t be paused, or severe cardiorespiratory disease.
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Red flag: rectal bleeding, weight loss
Go straight to colonoscopy pathway — CTC is not the right first test.
Scan types
Not all CTC studies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard CT colonography
Full bowel prep, CO₂ insufflation, prone and supine scans reported by a consultant abdominal radiologist.
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CTC + FIT
CTC combined with a faecal immunochemical stool test for a more complete bowel-cancer risk picture.
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CTC + gastro consult
Scan followed by a consultant gastroenterologist review to plan any next step in the same visit.
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CTC after incomplete colonoscopy
When endoscopy couldn’t reach the whole bowel; CTC completes the map without repeating the camera.
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Polyp surveillance CTC
A non-invasive interval scan for low-risk polyp follow-up patients.
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Staging CTC (known cancer)
Reports the primary lesion and screens extracolonic organs in one study.
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Post-polypectomy CTC
Follow-up imaging after polyp removal when repeat colonoscopy isn’t indicated.
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Urgent same-week CTC
Prioritised scanning and same-day report when time matters.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant abdominal radiologists with CTC expertise
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Full bowel prep (or “prep-lite”) depending on your case
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Same-day report by the reporting radiologist
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Direct pathway to colonoscopy for polypectomy if needed
Safety and eligibility
Very safe — but honest about the trade-offs.
CTC is a low-risk scan, but there are things worth knowing before you book — prep, radiation, and what the scan can and can’t rule out.
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Requires bowel prep the day before
Lighter than colonoscopy prep, but you still drink a laxative and follow a restricted diet — we explain it honestly.
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CO₂ insufflation used
Carbon dioxide gently distends the bowel. Mild bloating is common and brief; CO₂ is absorbed quickly.
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CTC does not remove polyps
The scan finds polyps — it can’t take them out. If one is found, colonoscopy is needed for that.
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Ionising radiation (low dose)
CT uses X-rays. Modern CTC protocols keep the dose low, but it isn’t zero.
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Not for pregnancy
CTC is not used in pregnancy. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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Not for known IBD flare
Active inflammatory bowel disease is better assessed with MRI or endoscopy.
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Anticoagulation continues
No biopsies are taken, so blood-thinners don’t need pausing — a real advantage over colonoscopy.
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A normal CTC doesn’t exclude small flat lesions
Sensitivity for polyps under 6mm and flat lesions is lower than colonoscopy.
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Extracolonic findings on 10% of scans
CTC images the whole abdomen and pelvis. Roughly 1 in 10 scans finds something outside the colon that needs a look.
Reading your report
A CTC report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You get the headline the same day — the impression is written to be read first.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and prep quality
Your details, the clinical question, and whether the bowel preparation was adequate to interpret the scan reliably.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Position (prone and supine), insufflation used, and the radiation dose for this study.
- 03 Findings
Colonic and extracolonic
A segment-by-segment description of the colon and any polyps or masses, plus anything noted in the adjacent organs.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, polyp needing colonoscopy, or next steps — set out clearly at the top of the report.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover CT colonography when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CT colonography.
Quick answers on cost, prep, radiation, extracolonic findings, and when to see a GP instead.
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CTC vs colonoscopy — what’s the difference?
Both look at the whole large bowel. Colonoscopy uses a camera under sedation and can remove polyps. CTC uses a CT scanner with CO₂ to distend the bowel — no sedation, no camera, but polyps can’t be removed on the day. If CTC finds one, you’ll need a colonoscopy.
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What is the bowel prep for CTC?
Lighter than colonoscopy prep but still real. You follow a low-residue diet the day before and take an oral laxative, plus a stool-tagging drink. It’s manageable at home in a single day.
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Does CTC hurt?
No. You’ll feel bloating from the CO₂ used to open the bowel, which passes within minutes. Most people find it far more comfortable than colonoscopy.
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Can polyps be removed on CTC?
No — CTC is a scan, not a procedure. If a polyp is found, we’ll arrange a colonoscopy on a direct pathway so it can be removed and analysed.
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How much does CT colonography cost in London?
A standard CTC in our network is typically £750–£1,400. Bundles with a FIT test or a gastroenterology consultation cost more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
CTC is usually arranged after a consultation, so the right test is chosen and any medication reviewed. We can arrange that consultation quickly, or accept an existing GP or consultant referral.
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Is CTC safe in pregnancy?
No. CT uses ionising radiation and isn’t used in pregnancy. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant so we can suggest an alternative.
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How much radiation is involved?
Modern CTC protocols use a low dose — comparable to a few years of natural background radiation. It isn’t zero, but for a diagnostic question in the right patient it’s a reasonable trade-off.
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What are extracolonic findings?
CTC images your whole abdomen and pelvis. About 1 in 10 scans finds something outside the colon — often minor, occasionally important. The radiologist explains what, if anything, needs follow-up.
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When should I see a GP urgently instead?
If you have rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, a new persistent change in bowel habit, or a suspicious mass, see a GP or A&E promptly. Those are red flags — colonoscopy is the right first test, not CTC.
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