CT scans are available at KIMS Hospital and Sevenoaks Medical Centre. If you’re a private patient, you can choose where to have these. For example, even if you have your initial consultation at KIMS Hospital, you can still have your private CT scan in Sevenoaks. This might be because we can offer you an appointment sooner, or you may find it more convenient to switch between our facilities, depending on where you live and work.

Before your CT scan, you will be asked about any existing health conditions, whether you are taking any medication, and if you have any allergies or if you might be pregnant. We will also ask you questions about your kidney health and will need recent blood test results confirming the health and performance of your kidneys.

You will usually lie on your back on a flat bed and be moved continuously through the rotating beam of the X-ray machine. You will not see or feel the X-rays as they pass through you. You will need to lie very still and may be asked to breathe in, breathe out or hold your breath at certain points to ensure the scan images do not blur.

For patients who are having contrast delivered as part of the scan, you will be made aware of the routing effects that are felt immediately after the contrast is delivered. These effects include a hot flush throughout the body and a metallic taste in the back of the mouth. You will be notified when the contrast is being delivered.

Before a CT scan, you may be asked to remove your clothing and put on a gown. You will be asked to remove any jewellery, so the metal does not interfere with the scanning equipment. You might also need to remove dentures, hair clips or hearing aids for a head scan.

The results of a CT scan will not be available immediately, as they will be reviewed and analysed by a Radiologist. Your Radiologist will write a report and send it on to your Consultant so you can discuss the results at your next appointment.

CT imaging scanners use radiation and needless exposure to radiation should always be avoided. However, when referring you for a scan, your Consultant feels that the benefit of having the scan to guide necessary treatment outweighs the potential harmful effect of radiation. Furthermore, we use the latest CT equipment, which minimises the dose of radiation. All of our requests are vetted and justified by Consultant Radiologists. This ensures that you receive the correct examination that is most effective for assisting with your diagnosis.

If your CT scan shows that you need treatment or surgery, your Consultant will recommend a treatment plan for you. If you need surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.