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.
Related tests
Looking for a different test?
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Colonoscopy
The camera test - and the way to remove polyps.
Learn more -
FIT bowel screen
A stool test for hidden blood in the bowel.
Learn more -
Abdominal CT
Cross-sectional imaging of the whole abdomen.
Learn more -
All tests
Every test and procedure in one place.
Learn more -
Acid Reflux
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Crohns Disease
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Colectomy
Related treatment option.
Learn more -
Cholecystectomy
Related treatment option.
Learn more
In practice, in London
Booking CT colonography privately in London - what actually happens
With CT colonography, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it - not whether the scan is available. Public provision for CT colonography is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
A private CT colonography pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For CT colonography specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Fit matters more than people expect. For CT colonography, the right consultant depends on what you actually need - a second opinion, a definitive diagnosis, a bridge into treatment, or reassurance that nothing’s being missed. We match on that, not on who has the biggest brochure. If a test isn’t the right next step, we’ll say so before you book anything.