Private CT scans in Enfield

Private CT scanning at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield 

If you have been referred for a CT scan, you may have questions about what the test involves, how to prepare, and what it can show. A CT scan is a type of advanced imaging that produces detailed pictures of the inside of your body, helping your doctor investigate symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, or plan treatment. 

At The Cavell Hospital in Enfield, private CT scans are performed by experienced radiographers using modern scanner technology. Your images are interpreted by specialist consultant radiologists, and results are sent promptly to your referring clinician. You will be cared for in a calm, professional environment, with clear explanations at every stage. 

Choosing a private CT scan in Enfield means you can usually access an appointment quickly, at a time that fits around your life, with transparent information about the process and your options. 

What is a CT scan? 

A CT scan (computed tomography scan) is an advanced imaging test that uses X‑rays and computer processing to create detailed cross‑sectional images of your body. These images show ‘slices’ of the area being examined and can be reconstructed into 3D views, giving much more detail than a standard X‑ray. 

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to: 

• Investigate symptoms such as pain, swelling, or unexplained weight loss 
• Look for signs of infection, inflammation, bleeding, or injury 
• Assess suspected conditions such as lung disease, kidney stones, or some cancers 
• Monitor the progress of a known condition or the effects of treatment 
• Help guide certain procedures, such as biopsies, in some cases 

CT scans are quick and painless. You lie on a table that moves slowly through a ring‑shaped scanner. The scanner does not touch you, and you should not feel the imaging taking place. 

At The Cavell Hospital, your CT scan will be tailored to the part of the body your doctor needs to examine, using protocols designed to provide high‑quality images while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable. 

Common types of CT scan

A CT scan can be used to look at many parts of the body, including: 

• Head and brain 
• Neck 
• Chest, lungs, and heart 
• Abdomen and pelvis (including organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and bowel) 
• Bones, joints, and spine 
• Blood vessels (with special techniques such as CT angiography)

What happens during a CT scan at The Cavell Hospital?

A CT scan appointment at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield is usually straightforward. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the type of scan you are having and whether contrast dye is required, but you can generally expect the following.

Before your scan

You will be given information about how to prepare, including any dietary restrictions and whether you need to arrive early 

On arrival, you will check in at reception and be shown to the imaging (radiology) department 

A radiographer will confirm your details, go through a brief safety questionnaire, and explain what will happen 

If your CT scan requires a contrast dye (sometimes called contrast medium), this may be: 

• Given as a drink (for some abdominal and pelvic scans) 
• Injected into a vein in your arm or hand using a small cannula 
• Occasionally given as an enema for specific bowel scans 

Contrast helps certain blood vessels and tissues show up more clearly on the images. The radiographer will explain if contrast is needed in your case and check for any history of allergies or kidney problems. 

During your scan 

• You may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the area being scanned, and to remove metal objects such as jewellery, glasses, or belts 
• You will lie on the scanning table, usually on your back. The table then moves gently into the circular opening of the CT scanner 
• The scanner is open at both ends, and you will not be enclosed like in an MRI machine 
• During the scan, you may hear quiet whirring or buzzing sounds as the scanner moves. The radiographer will be in an adjoining control room but will watch you through a window and can speak to you via an intercom 

You will be asked to: 

• Lie as still as possible, to keep the images sharp 
• Follow simple breathing instructions, such as holding your breath for a few seconds when requested, especially for chest and abdominal scans 

If you receive an injection of contrast dye, you may feel a brief warm sensation, a metallic taste in your mouth, or the feeling that you are passing urine (even though you are not). These sensations usually pass quickly. 

After your scan 

• Once the images have been taken, the table will move out of the scanner and your cannula (if used) will be removed 
• You can usually go home or back to your normal activities straight away, unless you have been advised otherwise 
• If you had contrast, you may be encouraged to drink extra fluids over the next few hours to help flush it from your system 

Your images will be reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who will write a detailed report and send it to your referring doctor. They will then discuss the results with you and plan any further treatment or investigations if needed. 

What conditions can a CT scan help diagnose? 

CT scans can be used to investigate many different symptoms and conditions. Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to help:  

• Assess unexplained pain, for example in the abdomen, chest or head  
• Investigate suspected injuries, such as fractures or internal bleeding after trauma  
• Examine the lungs, heart or blood vessels  
• Evaluate organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas and bowel  
• Look for signs of inflammation or infection  
• Assess certain types of headache or neurological symptoms, by imaging the brain and surrounding structures  
• Investigate suspected tumours or monitor known cancers and how they are responding to treatment  
• Plan and guide some procedures, such as biopsies  

How to prepare for your CT scan in Enfield 

Preparation for a CT scan at The Cavell Hospital will depend on the type of scan you are having and whether contrast is needed. You will receive specific instructions with your appointment, telling you: 

• Whether you need to avoid eating or drinking for any period of time 
• Any medications you can’t take ahead of your scan 
• What to wear and what to remove (e.g. jewellery) 

Before you come in, we’ll ask about any allergies you may have, especially if you’ve had a previous reaction to contrast dye. If you have kidney problems, a recent blood test may be needed to check your kidney function before contrast is used. 

If you are or might be pregnant, it is important to tell the radiology team before your scan, as this may affect whether the scan goes ahead or an alternative test is recommended. 

If you are unsure about any part of the preparation, you can contact us before your appointment. Following the instructions carefully helps ensure your scan runs smoothly and produces the best possible images. 

Is a CT scan safe? 

It is normal to have questions about the safety of CT scans, particularly because they use X‑rays, which involve exposure to ionising radiation. At The Cavell Hospital, your safety is a priority, and every CT scan is carefully justified and optimised. 

Some ways we ensure your safety include: 

• Keeping the radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable 
• Only recommending a CT scan when it is likely to provide important information that cannot easily be obtained by other tests with less or no radiation, such as ultrasound or MRI 
• Using the latest technology 
• Tailoring scan settings to your needs 
• Only using contrast dye if necessary and safe to do so, and monitoring you throughout in case of reaction (which is rare) 

Extra care is taken when considering CT scans in people who are pregnant or might be pregnant, especially of the abdomen and pelvis. Alternative imaging methods may be preferred where appropriate. 

Overall, for most patients, the clinical benefits of a properly indicated CT scan outweigh the small potential risks. Your doctor or the radiology team can discuss any concerns you have about radiation or contrast before the scan, so you feel informed and reassured. 

How much does a private CT scan cost at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield? 

The cost of a private CT scan at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield depends on several factors, including: 

• The part of the body being scanned (for example, head, chest, abdomen, or multiple areas) 
• Whether contrast dye is needed 
• The complexity of the scan protocol (for example, CT angiography or multi‑phase scans) 
• Any pre‑scan assessments or blood tests required 
• Whether follow‑up imaging or additional consultations are recommended 
• Whether you are self‑funding or using private medical insurance 

Before you proceed, you will be given clear information about the expected cost of your CT scan. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.  

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR. 

Why choose The Cavell Hospital for your private CT scan in Enfield? 

The Cavell Hospital is a well‑established private hospital in Enfield, offering CT scanning and a full range of imaging services in a modern, well‑equipped department. When you choose to go private with The Cavell Hospital, you can expect: 

• Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule 
• Consultant‑reported scans with clear, timely communication of results 
• Modern CT technology with dose‑optimised protocols 
• A calm, professional environment designed to put you at ease 
• Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end 
• Transparent, fixed‑price packages with aftercare included where appropriate 
• Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care 

The imaging team are experienced in supporting patients who may feel anxious about scans and will take time to answer your questions, explain each step, and ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your visit. 

How to book a CT scan in Enfield

To book a CT scan at The Cavell Hospital, you usually need a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional. Whether you are a private or NHS patient, your GP can refer you to our hospital to have your CT scan. We will then send the results back to your GP.  

If you are already a patient at Cavell and you need a CT scan, your consultant will refer you to our imaging team to arrange the scan.  

If you don’t have a referral but believe you need a CT scan, give us a call. Sometimes it’s possible to have a scan without a referral, and in other instances we’ll arrange a referral for you to avoid delay.