CT, MRI, Ultrasound and X-ray in Bath

Our Diagnostic Imaging department offers fast access to all patients over the age of 18 years of age. Our team of clinical professionals who support our team of experienced Radiologists and Radiographers are on hand to lead you through your journey with Bath Clinic. 

We offer the following services within the department:

General X-rays

The department uses general X-ray units which can perform a wide range of examinations. 

How Can I book an X-Ray: 

An X-ray will be recommended by your GP or Consultant who will complete a referral form. Our X-ray service is available daily and so waiting times are usually minimal, with most patients seen on the day of referral. 

Magnetic resonance imaging, more commonly known as MRI scanning, is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed images of the inside of your body to diagnose a variety of conditions and injuries. It can help your doctor to decide what treatment is right for you, and to see how well that treatment is working. 

During your scan, you will be asked to lie down in the MRI machine. Your radiographer will control the scanner using a computer in a different room but you will be able to talk to them through an intercom, and they will be able to see you throughout. A radiologist will interpret the results of your scan and diagnose your condition.

Why might you need an MRI scan?
An MRI scan can be used to look at most areas of the body, meaning it can help diagnose a range of injuries and conditions. It can also assess the extent or progress of a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. Some of the conditions where an MRI might be recommended are:

• A joint injury, such as a fractured hip
• A soft tissue injury, for example a damaged ligament
• An injury or disease of your internal organs. This includes organs such as your heart, brain, liver, womb, and prostate glandA tumour
• Nerve damage

MRI machines can provide detailed images of the soft tissue within your body. Soft tissues include your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Detailed images can help diagnose a range of conditions and injuries across your body. 

What happens during an MRI scan?
An MRI scanner is a short, tube-like machine that opens at both ends. You will either enter the tube headfirst or feet first depending on the part of your body being scanned. Your radiographer will control the machine using a computer in a different room, but you’ll be able to talk to them through an intercom, and they will be able to see you. You can stop the scan at any minute by asking on the intercom, and you can talk to your Radiographer at any time you like throughout the whole process. You will not feel anything throughout the process. The scanner will make a lot of noise at certain times which is normal and shows the MRI scanner is working as it should be to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear to reduce this sound and can listen to music through these, or you are welcome to bring your own phone/digital device for the Radiographers to attach to our music system in the control room. The scan lasts for anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. You will be told ahead of time how long you should expect to be in there for.  

An MRI scan is a painless procedure so you will not need anaesthetic.

MRI scanning FAQs 
It is perfectly normal to feel anxious about having an MRI scan. Knowing more about the process of the scan and how it works can help put your mind at ease. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about MRI scans.  

• How big is an MRI scanner? MRI scanners vary in size. The standard size of an MRI scanner is 60 centimeters wide. Larger MRI scanners, also known as wide-bore MRIs, are usually 70 centimeters wide.  Some people with claustrophobia find the prospect of having an MRI daunting, because it involves being in an enclosed space. At Circle Health Group, we encourage people with claustrophobia to come to the department ahead of their scan to discuss their fears with their healthcare team. We are here to answer any questions and alleviate any concerns you might have about the process of the scan. 
• Can you feel an MRI scan? The procedure is painless and you cannot feel the radio waves. You will hear the machine, but you won’t feel it working. 
• Can you eat before an MRI scan? You should be able to eat, drink and take any medication as usual on the day of your scan, unless you have been advised otherwise. 
• Can an MRI scan detect cancer? Yes, in some cases. MRIs can determine if a tumour exists, and if it is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). MRI scans can also show if cancer is spreading to other areas of your body. 
• Does an MRI show nerve damage? Your doctor might be able to identify nerve damage on an MRI scan. However, nerve damage is usually found during a neurological examination and later pinpointed through an MRI scan. 
• Can people come into the room with you during your scan? You might be able to have a friend or family member in the room with you for moral support, if needed. Please ask our imaging team about whether this is possible.  
• What is an MRI scan used to diagnose?Nearly every part of your body can be studied with an MRI machine, meaning it can diagnose a broad range of health conditions.
• Are MRI scans safe? MRI technology is very safe. There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine.  Some people might be sensitive to the contrast agent used in some circumstances and develop an allergic reaction. However, all contrast agents are FDA-approved and safe. 
• What happens after an MRI scan? An MRI scan is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means you won't need to stay in hospital overnight. After the scan, you can return home and begin your normal activities immediately after.  

When will you get your results?
This depends on your reason for having an MRI scan. In some cases, your radiologist will be able to interpret your results within 48 hours. In other cases, you will receive your results within one week. 

CT scanning is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses a combination of rotating X-ray machines and computers to produce accurate, detailed images of the inside of your body.  Used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions and injuries, it can help your doctor to decide what treatment is right for you, and later to see how well that treatment is working. A CT scanner is a large, donut-shaped ring that rotates around your body.  During the scan, you will lie on your back on a bed that passes through the scanner, and the ring will rotate around a small section of your body as you pass through it. A CT scanner is operated by a radiographer and then the results will then be interpreted by your Radiologist, a doctor who will use the scans to help diagnose your condition. They might also be involved in building your treatment plan, but this depends on your individual circumstances.

Why might you need a CT scan?
A CT scan can be used to look at most areas of the body to help diagnose a massive range of injuries and conditions. It can also assess the extent or progress of a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. Your doctor might recommend you have a CT scan if you have symptoms of any of the following conditions, and they want to investigate further:

A mass in the abdomen
Vascular disease 
Head injuries 
A stroke 
A soft tissue injury, for example a damaged ligament 
Nerve damage  

There are several benefits of having a CT scan, including  CT scans can provide images of both your bones and your soft tissues. Soft tissues connect and support your internal organs. They include your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Detailed images of your soft tissues can help diagnose a range of conditions and injuries across your body. Both MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and CT scans are painless and relatively fast procedures that produce detailed images of the inside of your body to diagnose a range of conditions. CT scanners do not surround your entire body at once but rotate around small parts of your body as you pass through it, so you shouldn’t feel claustrophobic or enclosed at any point.                                                          A CT scan can check for a variety of conditions, including tumours, abnormal bleeding, swelling, and head injuries. Because it is extensive and covers large areas of your body at once, a CT scan is more likely than other testing methods to detect underlying issues in their early stages across your body. This can help you find the right treatment quickly and efficiently.

How to book a CT scan 
Before having a CT scan with us, you will need to have a consultation with one of our specialist consultants or your GP, who can confirm whether a CT scan is the right next step for you. We welcome referrals from your GP and private Consultants. Your consultant will know exactly how quickly you need to have a CT scan.

Preparing for a private CT scan
Depending on why you are having a CT scan, you might be advised to avoid food or drink for up to four hours before the scan.

Before your scan, your Radiographer will explain the process in detail so that you know what to expect. You are not alone throughout the process of having a CT scan, and you can stop the scan at any point, should you wish. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and place your items in a locker before the scan is performed.

Preparing for dye injections
Some scans involve an injection of contrast dye into your arm to make certain soft tissues and blood vessels show up clearly in the images. During this part of the process, a cannula (a thin plastic tube) will be inserted into a vein in your arm, which will inject contrast dye during the scan. This should not be painful and does not take long to insert. The cannula will be removed after your scan. A CT scan is a painless procedure. We will ask you to fill out a safety questionnaire ahead of your appointment so that your Radiographer and Radiologist have a good understanding of your general health and medical history.

A CT scan is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, which means you won't need to stay in hospital overnight. After the scan, you can return home and begin your normal activities immediately after. 

Ultrasound

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency wave sounds to create an image of an organ in the body used to look at all soft tissue structures and blood vessels.  We do not use it to look at bones or the lungs or gastro-intestinal tract in detail.

What are the benefits of an ultrasound?
Ultrasound waves are delivered by a small handheld sensor, which is like a microphone. The procedure is thought to be completely safe as there is no radiation involved in the process.
It is used to highlight congenital heart disease, examine the prostate gland, uterus and ovaries and other organs of the body. Ultrasound is also used during surgery such as biopsies.

How does an ultrasound work?
Our examination is carried out by a consultant radiologist and usually takes between fifteen minutes and half an hour.
You will be asked to lie down on a couch.  Some gel will be applied to your body to enable the sensor, which is passed over your skin, to pick up sound waves and an image of the part of the body being scanned is produced. 
If you are, or there is a possibility you may be, pregnant please tell the radiographer before your scan.
Continue taking your normal medication unless you are told otherwise.
If you are diabetic please tell the radiology department.
It’s helpful if you bring any previous X-rays with you.
For some procedures you may be asked to fill your bladder by drinking plenty of water. For other procedures, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for up to four hours before the test. The Imaging Team will give you advice when booking your appointment.

When will I get my ultrasound results?
Results will usually be sent to the doctor who referred you within two days of your ultrasound scan.
 

The imaging department offers a comprehensive breast imaging service including Digital mammography, fine needle aspirations, Ultrasound, MRI scans and core biopsy.  Our private breast radiologists perform all examinations along with our Radiographers who work cohesively with our Consultant breast surgeons and breast care nurses, ensuring you receive the highest standard of compassion and care.

Fluoroscopy screening and intervention procedures are also available at Bath Clinic.

The NHS Breast Screening programme invite women from the age of 50 to 70 for screenings every 3 years. If you are aged between 40 and 50 and have your own concerns, we offer a Private Breast Screening Service that will help to alleviate your concerns. The clinic takes place on the first Wednesday of each month and the package includes a face to face appointment with a GP, a mammogram, and a follow up call with the GP or Nurse. To book into this service you can call 01225 838759. 

Payment Options
Accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.

If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.

If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.