Concierge imaging · London
Private CT scan - London.
Same-week access to head, chest, abdominal, cardiac and specialist CT protocols across central London. Low-dose modern scanners, consultant radiologist report in 24 to 72 hours, self-referral available for most studies.
Why private CT
Speed, sub-specialist reads, modern low-dose scanners.
The clinical quality of London private CT is high because the same consultants report NHS lists. What you buy privately is calendar and specialist protocol choice.
- 01
No GP referral needed for many scans
Self-refer directly for most CT studies. Where referral is required for radiation justification we arrange a private GP the same day.
- 02
Same-week appointment
Slots across central and west London, often within 24 to 48 hours. Evenings and Saturdays available.
- 03
Consultant radiologist report in 24 to 72 hours
Sub-specialist read for cardiac, chest, abdominal or neuro imaging. Urgent same-day reporting on request.
- 04
Low-dose modern scanners
Iterative reconstruction and photon-counting CT where available cut dose significantly against older scanners.
- 05
Specialist protocols
Coronary CT with rate-controlling beta-blocker, virtual colonoscopy, low-dose CT KUB for stones, HRCT for interstitial lung disease.
CT body areas
Which CT you need.
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Head CT
Trauma, headache, suspected bleed or mass.
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Sinus CT
Chronic sinusitis, pre-surgical planning, polyps.
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Chest CT
Nodules, infection, pulmonary embolus, mediastinal disease.
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Chest HRCT
Thin-slice for interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, fibrosis.
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Abdomen and pelvis
Pain, mass, staging, inflammatory bowel disease.
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CT KUB for stones
Low-dose non-contrast kidneys, ureters, bladder.
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Coronary calcium score
Cardiovascular risk stratification in one minute of imaging.
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Coronary CT angiogram
Non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease.
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Virtual colonoscopy (CTC)
CT alternative to camera colonoscopy after bowel prep.
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Extremity CT
Complex fractures, post-op assessment.
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CT angiography
Aorta, carotid, peripheral or mesenteric vessels.
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Cardiac CT
Structural assessment, valve planning, TAVI work-up.
With or without contrast
Iodinated contrast, and when it is used.
Iodinated contrast is used to opacify blood vessels, characterise tumours and highlight inflammation. Most abdominal CTs, all CT angiograms and most cardiac CTs are contrast-enhanced. Some ultra-low-dose or non-contrast protocols are possible for stone imaging and lung screening.
Contrast requires an eGFR result within the last three months. If kidney function is poor the radiologist will hold contrast, reduce the dose or hydrate you.
Preparation
Before your appointment.
- Fast for 4 to 6 hours if contrast is planned. Water is fine.
- Stay well hydrated in the 24 hours before the scan.
- Hold metformin for 48 hours after contrast per local protocol if kidney function is impaired.
- Pregnancy check if there is any possibility.
- Allergy screen: previous iodine or shellfish reaction flags for the radiologist.
Radiation dose
Typical effective doses.
Background radiation in the UK is roughly 2.7 mSv per year. Discuss risk and benefit with your doctor if you are young or likely to need repeated scans.
| Study | Effective dose |
|---|---|
| Low-dose lung screen | 1 to 2 mSv |
| Coronary calcium score | ~1 mSv |
| Low-dose CT KUB | 3 to 5 mSv |
| Chest CT | 5 to 7 mSv |
| Abdomen CT | 8 to 10 mSv |
Scan duration
Fast in, fast out.
Actual imaging typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Total visit is 30 to 45 minutes including safety check, cannula placement for contrast, and post-scan observation. You can eat, drive and work as normal afterwards.
Your report
Consultant read, 24 to 72 hours.
Reports are issued by a consultant radiologist, usually sub-specialist for cardiac, chest, neuro and abdominal work. Urgent same-day reporting is available. The report is delivered to you through a secure portal or by letter to your referring doctor.
Indicative pricing
What a private CT costs in London.
Ranges across our partner clinics. Contrast, multiple phases and out-of-hours slots sit at the top of each band.
| Scan | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Head CT | £350 to £550 |
| Sinus CT | £350 to £450 |
| Chest CT | £450 to £650 |
| Abdomen and pelvis CT | £550 to £950 |
| CT KUB (stones) | £450 to £650 |
| CT coronary calcium score | £250 to £450 |
| Coronary CT angiogram | £750 to £1,400 |
| Virtual colonoscopy (CTC) | £850 to £1,200 |
Where you can have a private CT in London
Our vetted London network.
- HCA Wellington Radiology
- London Bridge Hospital Imaging
- Cromwell Hospital (BUPA)
- One Welbeck Imaging
- HCA London Bridge Diagnostics
- InHealth Group
- London Medical
- Royal Brompton Cardiac CT
- HCA The Portland
Frequently asked
CT scan questions we hear most often.
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Is the radiation from a CT scan safe?
CT uses ionising radiation and doses vary by study, from around 1 mSv for a calcium score to 8 to 10 mSv for an abdominal CT. Modern scanners with iterative reconstruction have cut doses meaningfully. We only recommend a CT when the diagnostic benefit clearly outweighs the risk, and we prefer MRI or ultrasound in young patients or when repeated imaging is likely.
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What if I have had a previous reaction to iodinated contrast?
Tell us at booking. A prior mild reaction is not usually a bar to further contrast, but the radiologist will pre-medicate, choose a different agent, or run the study without contrast. Anaphylaxis to iodinated contrast is a contraindication and we would route you to MRI or ultrasound instead.
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Will my private medical insurance cover a CT?
Most policies cover CT with a specialist referral and pre-authorisation code. Coronary calcium scoring is often excluded as a screening test. We check cover with Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix before booking.
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Can I have a CT scan if I am pregnant?
CT is avoided in pregnancy unless the clinical situation is urgent. We will use MRI or ultrasound where possible. If you might be pregnant, tell us so we can arrange a beta-hCG check first.
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Do I need a recent blood test?
For any contrast study we need an eGFR (kidney function) result from within three months. If kidney function is impaired the radiologist will adjust the contrast dose, hydrate you, or use a non-contrast protocol. We can arrange the blood test the same day.
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Do I need a GP referral?
For most CT scans, no. You can self-refer through Pulse Atlas. Cardiac CT, virtual colonoscopy and any contrast study still need clinical justification from a doctor, and we arrange a private GP appointment same-day if required.
Related tests
Other imaging you might need.
Book your private CT
Same-week CT across London, consultant reported.
Tell us what you need imaged. We come back within one working day with two or three options, firm prices and available slots.