Equipment

At the Cheltenham Imaging Centre we have a state of the art Philips Gemini Brilliance CT scanner.

The one shown here was installed in May 2006. It has already had two major upgrades to keep up to date with state of the art technology and is capable of producing detailed images of outstanding clarity with very short scanning times.

Can I Discuss a particular patient/case?

Our team of consultant Radiologists are happy to discuss individual scans or cases with referring doctors. Please feel free to telephone or email to ask for advice. This is often useful before the scan to modify the scan technique and thereby obtain the best quality images. Our Radiologists are happy to help decide whether MRI or CT is the best imaging modality.

To contact us use the Contact Us page or email us at reception@petctservice.co.uk

Who Reports the Scan for Me?

All our images are reported by UK trained and registered disease specific consultant radiologist. CT Scans are reported by 2 radiologists to increase accuracy (double reported). Our team of consultants have considerable experience in reporting CT scans and we will allocate your scan to a consultant with expertise in the relevant body system eg. neuro, oncology, chest. This will all be done on site, none of our reporting work is outsourced abroad.

Can I discuss the CT Report?

Our Consultant Radiologists would be happy to discuss individual cases with referring doctors by telephone. Please indicate if this is required on the referral form including contact details.

Types of Scans Undertaken

We are able to scan and report to the highest standards using an experienced team of consultant radiologists. All scans are double reported to improve accuracy rates.
Some of the work we routinely undertake is listed below.

• Chest CT
• CT Pulmonary Angiography
• Cardiac CT
• Coronary artery assessment
• Abdominal & Pelvic CT
• CT Colonography
• CT Angiography
• Cancer Staging
• Head & Neck CT
• CT of bones & joints
• 3 dimensional Reconstructions including Dental

If you are looking for a particular type of CT scan not listed above we will almost certainly be able to supply what is required and are happy to discuss individual cases.

How do I request a scan?

Please complete a request form, sign it and post or fax to Cheltenham Imaging Centre.

Should I be requesting CT or MRI?

The RCR Publication is helpful in this regard.
Making the Best Use of a Department of Clinical Radiology
Guidelines for Doctors. Fifth Edition

(The RCR Web site can be found at www.rcr.ac.uk)

Our Radiologists are happy to help decide whether MRI or CT is the best imaging modality.

What happens to the report and films?

Films are generally posted back to the referring doctor with the consultant radiologists report. Please indicate if alternative arrangements are required.

Cost

The basic cost is £198 for a single part CT scan, with contrast charged at £25.00 if necessary. This is fully inclusive of the Consultant Radiologists report.

We also have agreements to undertake CT scanning for Health Insurance companies and have direct billing arrangements with most insurers.

Risks from CT

CT does involve exposure to x-rays (radiation). This is one of the reasons a doctor needs to make the referral to the imaging centre. The benefits from accurate diagnosis should be greater than the small risk from radiation. The general population is exposed to background radiation during the course of their everyday life – a CT scan is equivalent to background radiation received over a period of a few years.

Patients must not be scanned if pregnant.

Patients who are breast feeding and receive a contrast injection during the scan must refrain from breast feeding for 24 hours.