We know that coming into hospital for an x-ray or a scan can be daunting, but our team of highly trained radiologists, radiographers and nurses are here to welcome, care and support you throughout your visit.
Please note: if you are diabetic, particularly if you take Metformin, please let us know in advance so that we can make special arrangements.
Every procedure is different but you’ll be kept fully informed of what is going to happen before, during and after the tests. Patient information leaflets will be sent to you with your appointment letter, or handed to you by one of our staff.
We use advanced technology that enables x-rays and scans to be stored electronically and viewed on a computer monitor rather than on a lightbox, helping to improve both the quality and speed of your treatment.
Services available
General x-rays are carried on patients for imaging bones and internal organs. We provide a a walk in service for patients who have been referred by their GP.
We use low dose x-rays to examine the breast for evidence of tumours or cysts. We have a dedicated centre at St Bartholomew’s and mobile scanning units are also run throughout the city.
An x-ray system that provides large numbers of two dimensional 'slices' through the human body. This scan is often used to examine the brain, lungs and heart, and for the investigation of abdominal disease. Our state of the art scanner allows us to make rapid, low dose examinations and it is capable of scanning bariatric (obese) patients.
The hospital sites have different areas of expertise and you will be referred to the most appropriate specialist centre. We provide walk-in services wherever possible.
A type of x-ray examination that produces images of internal structures using fluorescent screens. Common examination types are barium swallows and enemas, and angiography (imaging of blood vessels).
Interventional radiology is a variety of scanning methods used to assist with minimally invasive procedures. These include insertion of stents, pacemakers and for biopsy (the removal of small amounts of tissue for laboratory examination).
MRI is an advanced scanning technique that uses magnetism to produce highly detailed images of the body. MRI scans can assist diagnosis of physiological problems and/or disease in bone, organs and other soft tissue.
The hospital sites have different specialist areas. The London Chest has a new cardiac scanner; St Bartholomew’s specialises in breast screening and cancer treatment; The Royal London specialises in muscular, skeletal and neurological scans).
Nuclear medicine uses ‘radionuclides’ administered to the patient that emit gamma rays. These are detected by a gamma camera and compiled into an image by computer. This is often used in the diagnosis of bone, lung, thyroid and kidney disorders and for the treatment of cancer and heart conditions.
An Ultrasound is used to visualise internal organs. These are routinely used by sonographers for antenatal scans.
PET CT scanning is carried out using a new high-tech scanner at St Bartholomew’s to diagnose and treat cancer. Please see our cancer section to find out more information. Please note: Newham does not offer PET scanning.
St Bartholomew’s Hospital hosts a licensed facility that manufactures radiopharmaceuticals every day for use by many London hospitals.
This is often done for routine and emergency treatment. Visit our dental services section for more information.
We have a separate, specialist centre for children at The Royal London Hospital. Visit our children’s services for more information.
DEXA scanning is carried out on patients for bone density.
A fibroscan is a type of ultrasound that can measure the degree of inflammation in your liver. It is a simple, painless test that uses high frequency sound waves.
More information on fibroscans for patients.