A CT (computed tomography) scan is a special X-ray that allows us to take a series of detailed images of the body. It takes a series of pictures of your body which help us to view the area in 'sections'. This helps to make diagnosis and surgery more accurate. For these scans you will lie on a table which slowly passes through a circular X-ray machine.
What are the benefits?
The results of the scan will help your doctor diagnose any health problems you have been experiencing and decide on further treatment for you.
Are there any alternatives?
There is no other test that gives as much information on the lung tissue. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may give similar information about abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels, chest wall and abdominal anatomy.
What happens if I do not have the scan?
Your doctor may not have all the information needed to make a diagnosis. This may affect the type of treatment he or she can suggest for you.
How is a CT scan carried out?
Our radiographer will ask you to lie on a bed that will move through the scanner. You will be able to talk to the radiographer through a microphone during the scan.
A scan is not at all painful. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken. Each image is taken quickly, but takes a few minutes to appear on the radiographer’s screen. You should expect to be in the scanner for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the type of scan.
If you have a scan where we need to make the blood vessels easier to see, we may give you an injection. If you have a scan of the abdomen, we may give you water or a special drink so that the bowel shows up on the scan. We will give this to you 30 minutes to an hour before the scan so the fluid has time to reach the bowel.
After the scan
You will be able to continue with your normal daily activities after your scan.
Endocarditis is a potentially serious condition in which the lining of the heart (endocardium) becomes infected.
Structural heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of defects which affect the valves and chambers of the heart and the aorta.
Sarcoidosis, also known as sarcoid, is generally described as an inflammatory condition of unknown cause which can affect various parts of the body and can occur at all ages.
Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is a chronic disease associated with skin thickening and changes to blood vessels, particularly those supplying the fingers and toes.
Pectus anomaly describes a deformity with the sternum (breastbone). The condition is the most common congenital wall deformity.
Bronchiectasis is a disease affecting the walls of the 'bronchi' – the tubes that carry air through the lungs.
Our congenital heart disease (CHD) centre is one of the largest in the country. Clinical teams treat more than 10,000 patients with these diseases each year.
Where is the CT scanner?
Harefield Hospital
The CT scanner is in the X-ray department.
Telephone: 01895 828 609
Royal Brompton Hospital
There are two CT scanners at the hospital.
- Basement of Fulham Wing/South Block Please report to the X-ray reception in the basement of:
Fulham Wing
Royal Brompton Hospital
Fulham Road
Chelsea
SW3 6HP - X-ray department, level 3, Sydney Wing
Please report to X-ray reception on level 3 of Sydney Wing)
Telephone: 020 7351 8220
Please check your appointment letter carefully.
If you not sure where to go you should call 020 7351 8220 or ask at reception.
Useful documents
Read our information leaflet about a CT scans :
Having a CT scan - March 2018 (PDF, 321KB)