If you are referred for a CT scan, you will be offered an appointment at Frimley Park Hospital, Heatherwood Hospital, Wexham Park Hospital, or Aldershot Centre for Health based on your location and the earliest availability. Your CT scan will be performed by a radiographer. 

CT (computed tomography) combines a rotating x-ray tube with a powerful computer to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of your body. The computer can reformat these into 3D images as required. Sometimes a contrast agent (x-ray dye) is injected into you and used to enhance certain organs or blood vessels on the images. 

The preparation for your CT scan will vary depending on what sort of scan you are having, and whether you require contrast or not. You should have received an appointment letter which will have all the information you need, if not, please refer to the relevant procedure information leaflet below. 

Please let us know ahead of your appointment if: 

  • you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off the scanner. 

  • you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret. 

  • there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. 

In addition, if you are having a scan with injected contrast, please ensure to fill out the CT contrast safety questionnaire in your appointment letter (if you received one) and let us know ahead of your appointment if: 

  • you normally require the vascular access team for injections 

  • if you have experienced any previous reaction to contrast injection or you are known to have any kidney problems 

For details of what to expect, and any associated risks with your scan, please refer to your appointment letter, or if you did not receive one, refer to the relevant procedure information leaflet below. 

The results of your scan will not be given to you immediately after the scan.

The images are interpreted by a radiologist or a reporting radiographer and are sent back to your consultant or GP who referred you for the scan.

The result will be sent to your referring doctor which can take up to four weeks. 

If your child is having a CT scan, you may find the links below particularly useful to help prepare your child and let them know what to expect.

We image children regularly in our department, and our team of radiographers are experienced in helping to ensure your child’s experience with radiology is a positive one. 

More information