Scans and Imaging
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Scans and Imaging

Our scans and imaging services were made with patients in mind, providing a full array of imaging and scanning services at times convenient for any hectic schedule. We know that if you or any member of the family need a diagnostic examination, and choose to have it done sooner then we can provide same day, add-on appointments and extended weekday 9am - 9pm and weekend 10am - 2pm hours for our patient's convenience. We use state of the art scanning and imaging technology which is subject to strict regulatory standards.

Why Should I Undergo a Scan and/or Imaging Procedure?

Scanning and imaging technology shows the healthcare provider the inside of your system. An ultrasound uses sound waves that pass through your body. It can show your internal organs and their size as well as the location of any abnormalities. It is safer than a mammogram or X-Rays and also gives better and clearer pictures of breast tissue and soft tissue structures throughout the body.

A CT Scan

Gives clear pictures of bones as well as soft tissues, which an ordinary X-ray test does not show; e.g. organs and large blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and the brain. Frequently performed CT scans are of the brain - in the majority of cases to determine the cause of a stroke. It is also used to pinpoint the exact site of tumours prior to radiotherapy and/or to find the right place to take tissue samples (biopsies).

How to Prepare for a CT scan

You will need to remove any metal objects from your body, i.e. jewellery, hair clips, etc. and wear loose clothing without metal zips, studs, etc.

Instructions will be given to you by the CT department. Depending on which part of your body is being scanned: the aim is to block out X-rays going through some tissues and in others help give a better contrast and pictures between the different organs and tissues that necessarily need investigating.

CT scans are painless but you need to stay as still as possible, to avoid blurred picture scans. Conventional CT scans take 5-30 minutes, depending on where the body is scanned. Modern CT scans (helical CT scans) take less than a minute and also use less radiation. However the reports do take a little longer.

If a CT scan with contrast is arranged, you will be asked not to drink or eat for a couple of hours prior to the test. You may also be given a steroid injection if you are susceptible to contrast. (People who have a reaction to the contrast dye is rare.)

If you need an injection of contrast it may be necessary to stop certain medicines before the procedure. This may apply to diabetics taking metformin. Our doctor will give you instructions about what you need to do.

Sometimes a special contrast medium drink is usually required before an abdominal and/or pelvic scan. This helps highlight the stomach and bowel more clearly. Or a small amount of fluid may be put into your back passage (rectum). Women asked to insert a tampon into the vagina for a pelvic scan.

A contrasting dye is sometimes injected into the bloodstream via a vein in your arm. You may be aware of a flushed cold feeling initially and an odd taste in your mouth, but this soon goes.

MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scans.

An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures on a computer screen. It can show tissues, organs and other structures inside your body. MRI scans do not use X-rays and is different to CT scans (which also use X-rays).

It is regularly used to take detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord; to assess joint disease; soft tissue tumours and even torn ligaments which use an MRI. It is useful in assessing sports injuries.

An MRI produces clearer images than a CT (computerised tomography) and is the first-choice investigation for brain tumours showing hard-to-reach areas of the brain. It is also used to help diagnose multiple sclerosis, strokes, Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.

MRI is a non-invasive assessment of inflammatory bowel disease and bowel tumours and problems in the liver and pancreas.

MRA, magnetic resonance angiography generates pictures of the arteries looking for abnormal narrowing or dilatations in blood vessel walls (those at risk of bursting). It is also used to assess the arteries of the neck, brain, the renal arteries, thoracic and abdominal aortic arteries, and arteries in the legs. Sometimes it is used to assess congenital heart disease.

It uses extremely strong magnets, so people with certain types of medical implants cannot be scanned. Medical devices containing metal in them can potentially move, or the magnet affects their function.

You will be asked if you have any medical devices in your body and asked to fill in a safety questionnaire about these prior to the scan. We can telephone before to let them know whether this will affect your ability to have an MRI/MRA. But stress the importance you should remind them yourself at the time of your scan as well. If you have forgotten, do not worry we can rearrange a different scan for you. It is more important to be safe.

The following may help to remind you of the type of things radiographers need to know about:

  • Internal (implanted) defibrillator or pacemaker.
  • Ear (cochlear) implant.
  • Surgical clips such as those used on brain aneurysms.
  • Artificial heart valves.
  • Implanted medicine infusion ports.
  • Artificial limbs or metallic joints.
  • Implanted nerve stimulators.
  • Pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples.

It is important for the radiographer to know if you have any metal fragments lodged in your eyes or body. You may need an X-ray before your MRI scan, just to make sure you are safe to enter the scanner.

If you are pregnant it is possibly best not to have an MRI scan unless it is urgent. Although it is believed to be safe, the long-term effects of strong magnetic fields on a developing foetus are not yet known.

YOUR HEALTH, OUR PRIORITY

Same day appointments, as much time as you need with the doctor and instant referrals to our network of Consultant Specialists.

If you are experiencing health concerns, you don't have to wait any longer.

Can I Get the Results Immediately?

The scans and imaging results are assessed by the radiologists, a doctor who has advanced knowledge in reading scans and imaging tests. Then he/she will send a report to our doctor detailing what the results are and what might be an issue.

It can take from 24 hours to three days, depending on the investigation, for the results and our nurse or doctor will call you to discuss what you need to do next and arrange a further appointment if necessary.

I Get Claustrophobic, But My Specialists Told Me to Have an MRI. Is there any Choice?

We collaborate with an imaging service which makes use of Open MRI technology: the scanner is in a less confined space lessening claustrophobia and/or anxiety. If you are concerned, talk to the specialist who will discuss some sedation choices with you at the time of the procedure.

Our Scan and Imaging Team

A team of caring and professional physicians and clinicians will care for you:

  • Specialist doctors

    Our skilled and well-trained specialist doctors are accountable for reading examination results, doing procedures i.e. interventional radiological procedures as well as working with other specialists for tailor-made individual treatment plans for you. Our team of specialist doctors are board certified and very experienced.

  • Technologists

    Technologists are people who do different kinds of scanning i.e. CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs. Technologists have to pass the advanced certification in radiology and committed to giving you excellent care and expertise each time you come.

    Our own clinic does ultrasounds and a specialist consultant radiologist attends and reports the results. All other scans are done in superb specialist centres in and around London and in Harley Street. These will be booked separately by our doctor, if deemed necessary, at the initial consultation. (There is a separate charge for out-of-house scans.)

  • Nurses

    Our caring and experienced nurses are always available to assess, as well as help you during your visit. If you need additional help: disabled or have mobility problems please let us know before you attend for your appointment if booked by email or over the telephone. We can arrange for ramps to be used or a wheelchair to be provided for transfer from your car to the clinic.

YOUR HEALTH, OUR PRIORITY

Same day appointments, as much time as you need with the doctor and instant referrals to our network of Consultant Specialists.

If you are experiencing health concerns, you don't have to wait any longer.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

AddressAddress

Suite 2, 117a Harley Street, London W1G 6AT

PhonePhone

020 70968853

Opening HoursOpening Hours

Mon - Fri 9:00 - 18:00

Sat - Sun 10:00 - 14:00