Concierge imaging · London
CT scan in London, fast, detailed and justified.
A five-minute scan that resolves lungs, bones and acute bleeding in detail no other modality matches. It uses ionising radiation, so we only recommend CT when the clinical question genuinely needs it - and route you to MRI or ultrasound when they’d answer better.
Why patients choose us
- 01
We justify every scan
CT uses radiation, so we only recommend it when the benefit is clear - and say when it is not.
- 02
Low-dose scanners
We route you to modern scanners that keep the dose as low as reasonably achievable.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private CT scan 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 single-region CT in our network: £350-£700, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT single region (head, chest, abdomen) | £350–£700 | 10–20 min | 24–72 hrs |
| CT with contrast | £450–£900 | 20–30 min | 24–72 hrs |
| CT chest, abdomen & pelvis | £600–£1,100 | 20–30 min | 24–72 hrs |
| CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) | £650–£1,300 | 20–40 min | 48–72 hrs |
| CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) | £600–£1,100 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Low-dose lung screening CT | £350–£700 | 10–15 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, how many regions are covered, and whether iodinated contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The fastest scan is not always the right one.
CT is superb for lungs, bone and bleeding, and it is quick. But it uses radiation, and for soft tissue MRI or ultrasound often answers better with none. Choosing correctly - and using a low-dose protocol - is the job. We do it properly.
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CT or MRI?
We will tell you honestly which answers your question - and MRI uses no radiation.
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Worried about the dose?
We route you to modern low-dose scanners and justify every scan first.
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Need it quickly?
A CT takes minutes and we can often arrange it same or next day.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to signed report - often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~15 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
A short check on contrast allergies, kidney function and pregnancy. We have pre-completed the paperwork.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
The scan itself takes only a few minutes. You lie on your back and the scanner ring passes around you - open at both ends and far easier than a tunnel.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
What a CT scan is genuinely best at.
CT earns its place for specific questions - speed, lungs, bone and bleeding. These are the ones we arrange most.
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Lungs & chest
The best test for lung detail - nodules, infection, scarring and screening.
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Bones & complex fractures
Superb bone detail, especially for complex or subtle fractures.
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Bleeding & head injury
Fast and decisive after head injury or when bleeding is suspected.
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Kidney stones
The definitive test for stones and the cause of sudden severe flank pain.
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Cancer staging & follow-up
Maps the extent of a known cancer and tracks response to treatment.
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Coronary arteries (CTCA)
A non-invasive look at the heart arteries for chest pain and risk.
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Bowel (CT colonography)
A virtual colonoscopy option when a camera test is unsuitable.
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When speed matters
A CT takes minutes - invaluable when a fast answer changes management.
CT scan types
Not all CT scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard CT
Fast cross-sectional imaging of head, chest, abdomen or pelvis.
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CT with contrast
Iodinated contrast to highlight blood vessels, organs and masses.
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CT coronary angiogram
Images the heart arteries without a catheter, for chest pain and risk.
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CT colonography
A virtual colonoscopy when a camera test is not suitable.
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Low-dose lung screening
A reduced-dose protocol for lung screening in higher-risk people.
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CT urogram
Focused on kidneys, ureters and bladder, often for blood in the urine.
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CT angiography
Detailed imaging of arteries anywhere in the body.
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Low-dose protocols
Modern scanners cut the dose substantially - we route you to those.
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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CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating
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Modern low-dose CT scanners, reported by a consultant radiologist
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Dose kept as low as reasonably achievable on every protocol
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A report turnaround under 72 hours as standard
Safety and eligibility
Radiation, contrast, and when to choose something else.
The honest headline for CT is radiation dose. We justify the scan, use low-dose protocols, and check contrast safety before you arrive.
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Radiation dose
CT does use ionising radiation. Modern low-dose scanners keep this small, and we only recommend CT when the benefit clearly outweighs it.
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When MRI is better
For soft tissue, brain detail, joints and the pelvis, MRI is often better and uses no radiation. We will say so.
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When ultrasound is better
For gallbladder, thyroid and many soft-tissue questions, ultrasound answers it with no radiation at all.
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Pregnancy
CT is generally avoided in pregnancy. Tell us and we will find an alternative such as MRI or ultrasound.
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Iodinated contrast allergy
Reactions are uncommon but real. Tell us about any previous contrast reaction.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if contrast is planned, as it is cleared by the kidneys.
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Diabetes medication
If you take metformin and are having contrast, we advise on whether to pause it.
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Children
We use paediatric low-dose protocols, and consider MRI or ultrasound first wherever possible.
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Weight and size
CT scanners have a wide, short opening - far easier for claustrophobia than MRI.
Reading your report
A CT report can look intimidating. It isn't.
However much ground it covers, a CT report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the region scanned, and the clinical question behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which region was covered, whether contrast was used, and the dose protocol applied.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured, region-by-region description of the organs and structures imaged, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief - read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CT scans.
Quick answers on radiation, cost, referrals, contrast and results.
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How much radiation will I actually get from a CT scan?
A CT chest is around 6–7 mSv and a low-dose lung screen closer to 1–2 mSv - roughly two years and six months of UK background radiation respectively. Modern London scanners use iterative reconstruction that has cut doses sharply, and we only book you in when the clinical answer justifies the dose.
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What is a CT scan used for?
CT is fast and excellent for the lungs and chest, complex fractures, bleeding after head injury, kidney stones, cancer staging, and the coronary arteries. It takes minutes, which matters when a quick answer changes management.
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Should I have a CT or an MRI?
It depends entirely on the question. CT is better for lungs, bone detail, acute bleeding and speed. MRI is better for soft tissue, the brain, joints and the pelvis - and uses no radiation. We will tell you honestly which fits.
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How much does a private CT scan cost in London?
A single region is typically £350-£700 in our network; contrast, cardiac or colonography studies cost more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
CT is usually arranged with a referral, because the dose means it should be clinically justified. We can arrange a fast-track private GP if you need one.
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Will I need contrast?
Often, for organ and vascular detail. It is an iodine-based injection, and we check your kidney function first.
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How long does a CT scan take?
The scan itself takes only a few minutes - typically 10-20 minutes in the room including positioning. Contrast studies take a little longer.
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Is CT better for claustrophobia than MRI?
Usually yes. A CT scanner is a wide, short ring rather than a long tunnel, and the scan lasts minutes rather than half an hour.
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Can I have a CT scan if I am pregnant?
It is generally avoided. Tell us you are or might be pregnant and we will look at MRI or ultrasound instead.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover CT when clinically indicated and pre-authorised. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix recognise us, and we handle the pre-authorisation.
Related tests
Looking for a different test?
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MRI scans
No radiation - better for soft tissue and joints.
Learn more -
Ultrasound scan
Radiation-free imaging of organs and soft tissue.
Learn more -
Colonoscopy
Camera examination of the bowel.
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Blood tests
From a single marker to a full screen.
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Prostate Cancer
Related condition guide.
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Colorectal Cancer
Related condition guide.
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Cryoablation For Cancer
Related treatment option.
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Colon Cancer Surgery
Related treatment option.
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In practice, in London
The London pathway for CT scan
With CT scan, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it - not whether the scan is available. Public provision for CT scan 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 typical private booking for CT scan in London starts with a consultant conversation - sometimes in person on Harley Street or Marylebone, sometimes on video if that suits better. Any imaging or diagnostics happen at a nearby CQC-registered facility, and reports usually land within 24 to 72 hours. The whole loop, from first call to written report, is often done inside a fortnight. For CT scan specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
There are a lot of consultants in London who can technically handle CT scan. Fewer who do it week in, week out for the exact question you’re bringing. We spend most of our time working out which is which - and being straight when a different test or a different specialist would serve you better. Everything runs to CQC, GMC and Royal College standards; the choice is about fit, not floor.