If you need an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan, you may have questions about what happens next.
Do you need a referral? Can you have your scan on the same day? Which type of scan do you actually need? And how long will the whole process take?
At Bloom Health Hospital in Milton Keynes, a clinician assesses you before arranging diagnostic imaging. You don't need to decide which scan you need yourself.
The clinician considers your symptoms, your medical history and the area that needs investigation, then recommends the most suitable scan.
Bloom Health Hospital provides private X-ray, private ultrasound and private CT scan services. We also offer urgent care and a walk-in GP service, so you can see a clinician when you need medical advice, not just when you already have a referral in hand.
Diagnostic imaging in Milton Keynes: how does it work?
X-rays, ultrasound scans and CT scans all provide different information. An X-ray helps clinicians examine bones and joints. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create images of soft tissue and certain organs. A CT scan uses X-rays taken from different angles to build detailed, cross-sectional images.
The right scan depends on your symptoms and what your clinician needs to investigate. You can visit Bloom Health Hospital for an assessment if you have an urgent, non-life-threatening illness or injury. A clinician can then advise whether diagnostic imaging is needed and help arrange the appropriate scan.
A clinician assesses you before arranging a scan, whenever that's appropriate. This means you don't have to choose between an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan based on your symptoms alone.
Same-day X-ray in Milton Keynes
An X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create images of the body. It's particularly useful when a clinician needs to examine bones and joints closely.
Doctors often recommend an X-ray after an injury, fall or impact. It can help assess a suspected fracture, dislocation or other change affecting the bones.
Bloom Health Hospital provides private X-rays in Milton Keynes. If you have an urgent, non-life-threatening injury, you can attend the Urgent Care service without an appointment. A clinician assesses the injury first. If they think an X-ray is appropriate, the team can arrange it there and then.
This means you may be able to have your assessment and X-ray during the same visit. However, same-day X-rays depend on your clinical needs and availability.
What happens during an X-ray?
A qualified radiographer carries out the X-ray. They'll explain the procedure and position you correctly before taking the images.
You may need to remove jewellery or some clothing before the examination. Depending on the area being examined, you may also need to wear a hospital gown.
The radiographer will ask you to keep still while the images are taken. Some examinations need several images from different positions. A standard X-ray is usually quick and may take only a few minutes. Your total visit may take longer because it also includes your clinical assessment and any necessary paperwork.
X-ray results and consultant reporting
After your X-ray, a consultant radiologist reviews the images. They are doctors who specialise in medical imaging and help identify any findings that may need further care.
Bloom Health Hospital provides consultant radiologist reporting for X-rays. Reporting times can vary depending on the type of X-ray and your clinical needs. Many X-rays can be reported on the same day, while more complex cases may take longer.
Your clinician can explain your scan results and discuss what they mean for your care. If you need further treatment or another investigation, they'll explain the next steps.
Private ultrasound in Milton Keynes
An ultrasound scan works differently from an X-ray. It uses sound waves to create images and doesn't use ionising radiation at all.
Clinicians use ultrasound for many different examinations. Ultrasound can help assess certain organs and soft tissues. It can also help investigate lumps, swelling and other symptoms that may not show clearly on an X-ray.
Bloom Health Hospital offers private ultrasound scans in Milton Keynes. A clinician will decide which type of ultrasound is appropriate based on your symptoms and medical needs.
Ultrasound scan appointments depend on the type of examination and on clinic availability. If you need an ultrasound urgently, please contact us before travelling. Our team can check the available slots and explain what you need to do to book an appointment.
What happens during an ultrasound scan?
A sonographer carries out the ultrasound scan. They apply a small amount of gel to your skin and gently move a probe over the area being examined.
The probe uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. The sonographer can view these images on the screen during the scan.
An ultrasound does not involve an incision or use X-rays. The scan is usually straightforward, but the time can vary depending on the area being examined.
Some ultrasound examinations need preparation before you arrive. Bloom Health Hospital will give you any instructions you need ahead of your appointment.
CT scan in Milton Keynes
A CT scan creates detailed images of the body. It uses X-rays to take multiple images from different angles, and a computer then combines these into cross-sectional views.
A CT scan can show far more detail than a standard X-ray. Clinicians may use it when they need a closer look at areas such as the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis or spine, and it can also help investigate certain injuries and other medical conditions.
We provide private CT scans in Milton Keynes from £445, though the final price depends on the type of examination you need. Please contact us for an up-to-date quote before you book, as pricing can vary by scan type.
Your clinician decides whether a CT scan is appropriate. You don't need to choose a CT scan yourself simply because of certain symptoms.
What happens during a CT scan?
Before your CT scan, the clinical team explains the procedure. You may need to remove jewellery or other items that could affect the images.
You'll lie on a scanner bed, which then moves through the CT scanner while it takes images. You need to remain still during the scan.
Our CT scanners are state-of-the-art, and the scan itself usually takes only a few minutes. Your full appointment may take longer if you need preparation or contrast.
Some CT examinations use contrast, which can make certain parts of the body easier to see on the images. The clinical team will explain this before the scan and check whether it's suitable for you.
Same-day CT scan in Milton Keynes
Bloom Health Hospital may be able to arrange a CT scan on the same day if it is clinically appropriate. This can be useful if you are looking for a CT scan and need an earlier appointment rather than a routine referral.
Can you walk in for an X-ray?
Bloom Health's Urgent Care service provides assessment for urgent, non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Our Radiographers are on site from 12 pm to 8 pm every day.
You don't need an appointment to attend X-Ray. A clinician will assess you and decide whether you need further investigation.
If an X-ray is clinically appropriate, the team can arrange it as part of your assessment. This can be useful after injuries such as suspected fractures, sprains or other soft-tissue injuries.
Not every injury needs an X-ray, though. Your clinician will decide whether imaging can help with your assessment.
What about the Private Walk-in GP service?
Bloom Health Hospital also provides private walk-in GP appointments from 2 pm to 10 pm.
A GP can assess your symptoms and decide whether you need further investigation. If diagnostic imaging is appropriate, the GP can arrange the relevant test - an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan, depending on your clinical needs.
The GP service and Urgent Care service run different hours. Urgent Care is available from 8 am to 10 pm, while Walk-in GPs are available from 2 pm to 10 pm.
What should you bring to your appointment?
If another healthcare professional referred you for a scan, bring your referral information with you. Previous scan results or relevant medical records can also help the clinical team understand your medical history.
Tell the team about any medical conditions, allergies or medicines you take.
Some CT scans need additional checks before the examination. This can include questions about your medical history, kidney function or any previous reactions to contrast.
If your scan needs any preparation, the team will explain exactly what to do before your appointment.
Does every symptom need a scan?
No. Not every symptom requires diagnostic imaging.
Your clinician considers your symptoms, medical history and examination findings, then decides whether a scan could actually help.
An X-ray may be useful when the clinician needs to examine bones. An ultrasound may suit certain soft-tissue or organ problems. A CT scan may provide more detailed images when the clinician needs to examine internal structures more closely.
In some cases, you may not need imaging at all. Your clinician can explain the most suitable next step either way.
How much radiation does each scan use?
X-rays and CT scans use ionising radiation. Ultrasound doesn't use ionising radiation at all.
A standard X-ray uses a relatively small amount of radiation. A CT scan generally uses more, because the scanner takes multiple images to build its detailed picture.
Healthcare professionals weigh the potential benefits and risks before recommending imaging. They choose the scan that best fits the clinical question in front of them.
If you have concerns about the amount of radiation involved, speak to your clinician before the examination. They can explain why the scan has been recommended and answer any questions you have.
What about an MRI scan?
MRI is another type of diagnostic imaging, but it works differently from X-ray and CT.
Bloom Health Hospital doesn't perform MRI scans on site. If your clinician decides you need an MRI scan, we can arrange this through a trusted local partner.
Your clinician can explain whether MRI or another type of imaging would suit your symptoms better.
What happens after your scan?
Once your scan is complete, a specialist reviews the images. The reporting time can vary depending on the type of scan and your clinical needs. Many straightforward X-rays are reported the same day, while other scans may take longer.
Your clinician can explain your scan results and discuss what they mean for you. They can also advise whether you need further tests, treatment or referral.
If another healthcare professional referred you, the relevant report can be shared with them where appropriate.
Book your scan at Bloom Health Hospital, Milton Keynes
Bloom Health Hospital offers private diagnostic imaging in Milton Keynes, including X-ray, ultrasound and CT scans. Consultant radiologists provide reporting for X-rays. If you need a scan, the team can explain your options and help arrange the appropriate appointment.
If you already have a referral, bring it with you. If you are unsure which scan you need, please contact the team for advice. You can also attend Urgent Care first, where a clinician can assess your symptoms and decide whether an X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan is appropriate.
Medical disclaimer:
The information in this article explains what to expect from X-rays, ultrasound scans and CT scans. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The type of scan you need will depend on your symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional when deciding whether diagnostic imaging is appropriate.
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