CT scans employ the same type of radiation used for x-rays but provide a more accurate three-dimensional image.

Unlike conventional X-rays, which take two-dimensional images to show structures inside the body such as bones, CT scans offer a clearer view of inner organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues than their traditional counterparts.

These appear as cross-sectional images, which are produced during the scan.

During a CT scan, a patient lies on a table, which slides into a large tube - which looks a little like a donut or a large polo mint!

This tube contains an x-ray machine that takes photos of the inside of the body, during a short, painless process that usually takes no more than 15 minutes.

The pictures taken during the scan then get sent to a computer, where a radiographer assembles the photos to create a 3D image.

These are then passed on to the radiologist who will produce an in-depth report on the findings.

Depending on the situation, it's also possible for a physician to evaluate the images separately.

Pall Mall Medical provides medical tests, scans, diagnostics, and imaging for various specialist areas to help diagnose and manage a range of physical symptoms. It can also offer screenings for peace of mind in relation to any medical condition such as cancer.

Our private doctors and consultants have access to various scanning techniques, with results typically provided within 7-10 working days.

Our clinicians have extensive experience and can provide a diagnosis quickly, before moving forward to set up suitable treatment plans that pivot with you.

CT Scans can not only be used to help diagnose a number of conditions but can also help guide further tests and treatments and keep a close eye on existing medical situations.

This ranges from identifying issues such as damage to internal organs and bones, blood flow problems such as blood clots and stroke, and diagnosing cancer.

From this, doctors can identify the shape, size and location of cancers before going on to have radiotherapy. We are also able to perform further checks - such as a needle biopsy - or monitor tumours throughout treatment.

CT scans can be utilised by medical professionals for prior surgical preparation or as a navigational tool during biopsies.

Our diagnostic imaging technology is of the highest quality, capable of imaging muscular and nervous systems.

As such, brain scans and broken bones can all be identified using our services - spot-checking immediate injury or helping dictate treatment for ongoing worries.

Thanks to the expert reporting provided by CT Scans, our images can help you diagnose, confirm or investigate a problem further - which can all be presented to your consultant.

Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out whether a CT Scan will be able to shed further light on your health.

For some CT scans, a special dye called contrast material is required to help highlight the areas of your body that are being looked at by your radiographer.

Contrast material blocks X-rays and shows up white on images, which 'light up' blood vessels, intestines, or other structures - giving us a better understanding of where issues might lie.

Contrast material might be given to you:

• By injection: The most common method of administering contrast agents, a nurse or assistant can inject it using a thin, flexible plastic tube called an IV. A device is inserted into a vein in the arm to enhance the clarity of imaging for the gallbladder, urinary tract, liver or blood vessels.
• By mouth: Contrast material may be administered orally if imaging of the oesophagus or stomach is required.
• By enema: A contrast material may be inserted in your rectum to help radiographers fully visualise your intestines. As with other procedures, such as colonoscopies, this might make you feel a little uncomfortable or 'bloated', but it soon passes.

With most contrast materials administered by injection, you might feel a quick sting or pinching sensation when the IV is started.

The dye may make you feel warm and flushed and give you a metallic taste in your mouth. Some people feel sick to their stomach or get a headache. Tell the radiologist or your doctor how you are feeling during the scan but don't worry, this will usually fade once the substance has passed out of your system.

When breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding the safety of dye usage in tests.

Generally, experts believe that minimal amounts of dye pass into breast milk and therefore even less reaches the baby - but if you prefer, you can store some of your breast milk ahead of time and use it for a day or two after the test.

Once you're all prepped, have changed into a hospital gown (depending on which area is set to be scanned), and are relaxed, you'll then be taken to the CT scanning room.

Here, patients are usually asked to lie on their backs on a flatbed.

The CT scanner consists of a ring that will rotate around a small section of your body as you progress through it. Here, the best thing to do is simply lie back and relax, as any movement will affect the quality of your results.

The radiographer will operate the scanner from the next room. While the scan is taking place, you'll be able to hear and speak to them through an intercom, so they'll be able to give you instructions and regularly check in with you throughout.

The scan will usually take around 10 to 20 minutes, making it one of the quickest and easiest procedures around when it comes to diagnostics and treatments.

When the scan is taking place, please remain motionless and maintain your normal breathing - this is to make sure your images are as clear as possible and there is no blurring.

You may also be asked to breathe in, breathe out, or hold your breath at certain points by the radiographer.

When the preparations are complete, the bed moves a few millimetres incrementally in order to complete the scan.  Unlike an MRI scanner, a CT Scan doesn't surround your whole body at once, so you won’t feel enclosed or claustrophobic - it simply consists of a ring that rotates around a small section of your body as you pass through it.

The radiographer will then leave the room and speak to you through an intercom system, letting you know what’s happening throughout the duration of the scan. Before it begins, the machine will be positioned around the area of your body which needs investigating, so depending on the type of scan, you'll be told how to dress appropriately ahead of time.

Once you're in, the scans only last a few minutes. The radiographer will let you know when you can get dressed and start to move.

CT scans provide a detailed examination of blood vessels, enabling physicians to detect and identify blockages or other issues. If you already have existing problems or health concerns, we can also confirm or reinforce the diagnosis of vascular disease without having to perform invasive exploratory surgery or surgical biopsies.

As such, a CT Scan prevents further stress and strain on the body - while providing sharp and granular imaging of blood vessels.

Abdominal CT scans may utilise barium as a contrast dye to create detailed images of organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, ovaries and the uterus.

Some of the most common reasons you might seek a CT Scan include the following symptoms:

• A mass in your abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Possible obstructions in the small or large intestine
• Possible inflammation in the intestines
• Kidney stones

With computerised tomography - also known as CT urography, which evaluates the kidneys, bladder, and ureters - these problems can be identified, forming the foundation of an effective treatment plan if needed.

When it comes to the arms, hands and feet, the bones can be remarkably small and difficult to see on traditional X-rays. As such, injuries in these areas may be difficult to spot from x-rays alone - which is where a CT scan can come in handy.

This method can provide physicians and doctors with incredibly clear images that may assist in surgical repairs.

A CT scan is usually the first stage in the process when someone needs surgery to remove a tumour.

This is because a surgeon can carry out procedures like biopsies and removals much more quickly, confidently and effectively when they have as much knowledge as possible about the tumour's location and size.

Essentially, CT scans help doctors and surgeons assess the extent that a tumour has invaded surrounding tissue, which can enhance surgical outcomes and improve the effectiveness of additional treatment.

CT scans are often crucial when it comes to cancer diagnostics and forming an ongoing treatment plan, creating a reliable framework that can be referred to - and relied on - by multiple doctors.

This can also provide further clarity when radiation treatment is administered, as CT scans are used to clarify the position of tumours to boost accuracy and ensure the right areas are being targeted.

Medical professionals also utilise CT scans to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy, since the images provide clear margins regarding cancer progression and speed.

A CT scan of the head provides clear images of the brain that can be used to evaluate, identify and diagnose a number of issues.

Some of these include:

• Traumatic head injuries
• Headaches of varying intensity and longevity
• Experiencing dizziness persistently
• The presence of bleeding
• Evidence, or likelihood, of stroke
• Brain tumours

Although less common, a head CT scan can also help with :

• Assessing soft tissue and bone damage resulting from facial trauma.
• Developing a plan for surgical reconstruction.
• Assessing issues related to the temporal bone in the skull that can lead to hearing difficulties.
• Detecting inflammation in the sinuses.
• Positioning and guiding the needle for a brain biopsy.
• Identify and evaluate aneurysms.

X-rays are less effective at displaying soft tissue structures - which is where CT Scans can play a pivotal role.

The dual advantage of CT scans is that they can provide physicians with comprehensive information regarding bone and soft tissue conditions, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

A CT scan of the spine may be ordered if a person is experiencing chronic back pain or has sustained an injury to their spine. Additionally, a doctor may also use a spinal CT scan for further diagnostics, or to do the following:

• Analysing spinal fractures.
• Evaluate the state of the spine before and after surgical procedures.
• Diagnosing the source of spinal pain caused by conditions such as herniated disks.
• Assessing bone density can help to determine the risk of fractures for individuals with high levels of osteoporosis.
• Assessing congenital abnormalities and diagnosing scoliosis.

In these particular cases, CT scans are also useful when used alongside  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. 

This is especially prevalent for patients experiencing the narrowing of the spinal canal, infections, or arthritis.

Whether you're experiencing pain following a fall or want a closer look at an area that may have underlying problems after an accident, any activity that resulted in possible severe internal injuries are great candidates for a CT scan.

For emergency assessment of potential internal injuries, CT scans are usually the preferred imaging procedure and typically yield more information than X-rays alone.

Common accidents include motor vehicle accidents or other traumatic events, which are excellent recommendations for the quick and effective service Pall Mall's private CT Scans can offer.

MRI and CAT scans are both used to obtain and examine diagnostic imaging.

While an MRI may not always be appropriate, a CT scan is usually a suitable option for a range of people and their symptoms.

Additionally, MRI scans can take much longer to complete when compared to CT scans, particularly if the patient cannot remain still for the necessary duration or experience anxiety or claustrophobia in enclosed spaces.