The first high definition, low radiation CT scanner in London
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible patient care, in January 2011 we installed one of the first high definition, low radiation CT scanners in London.
What is a CT scan?
CT scan stands for computerised tomography scan. The scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body.
A CT scanner is a large ring-shaped machine. The X-ray scanner inside the ring rotates in small movements around your body as you lie on a bed that moves backwards and forwards through the ring. As you move through the machine, the scanner uses a series of X-ray beams to scan parts of your body and build up detailed images.
The images produced by a CT scan are called tomograms. They are more detailed than standard X-rays, which use a single beam of radiation, and can give views of structures inside the body including internal organs, blood vessels, bones and tumours.
What are CT scans used for?
A CT scan can be used to diagnose or monitor many different health conditions, including cancer and bone disease. It is often used to provide views of your body before another procedure takes place, such as a biopsy or radiotherapy treatment.
A CT scan is painless and usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on which part of your body is being scanned.
Is it safe?
The amount of radiation you are exposed to is safe and is not enough to cause any harm.
However, CT scans are not recommended for pregnant women because of the risk to the unborn baby. Children are more at risk than adults from a build-up of radiation doses and should only have a CT scan if it is justified by a serious condition that puts them at a higher risk.
If you are advised to have a CT scan to diagnose a condition or to check symptoms of a known medical condition, the benefits of having the scan will outweigh any potential risk.
The best quality imaging available
It can carry out a full body scan in just 10 seconds providing high definition imaging in 4D enabling doctors to see small vessels as thin as a human hair, in any part of the body, and make a quicker diagnosis.
In addition to high-resolution cardiac imaging including CT cardiac angiography, it provides large area dynamic coverage scans for the brain and body, virtual colonoscopy, 3D bone and tissue reformatting.
