HNY Policy and Pathway Repository - Humber

Computed tomography Scan (CT)

A fully completed CT scan request form is required for every examination undertaken. A medically qualified person or a suitably qualified, registered non-medical practitioner must complete the request form where this has been agreed as a scheme of work within the CCG and individual practice.

*Please be aware we cannot undertake a CT scan without a referral card*

Exclusion Criteria

We do not except GP referrals for the following examinations:

• CT colonoscopy
• CT Cardiac studies
• Patients more than 300Kg in weight

Requests for examinations
Following recent updates to iodinated contrast guidelines regarding renal function, from the Royal College of Radiologists, the CT department requires a pre examination creatinine level within 6 months for patients with the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Have known kidney disease(including transplant). 
• Take metformin medication

The usefulness of a CT test is limited by:

Limited clinical history and / or an unclear clinical question
ambiguous or limited information may result in the incorrect clinical question being interpreted by the Radiologist when reviewing the request.  A clear clinical question which can be answered by imaging will optimise the usefulness of the test.

Incomplete referral forms
it is important that the referral  forms are filled in correctly including the practice B Code and the patient NHS number, this information enables us to process the referrals more efficiently and ensures the timely receipt of reports being sent to the correct email address.

Movement
it is important that patients stay still during the scan and/or hold their breath when/as asked so as to ensure the images are not blurred and are suitable for diagnosis purposes.

Routine CT requests

CT requests please use the CT Referral form found in the additional resources section, and send in the post to  

CT/MRI Suite, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham  Hull, HU16 5JQ

Urgent CT requests

Due to the cessation of the availability of faxing from 31^st March 2020 please send any urgent referrals via ERS (Diagnostic Imaging/CT)

Additional information regarding CT can also be found on ERS.

Appointments

Routine Appointments

When referrals are received in CT they will be triaged and if they meet the criteria set in the guidance they will be prioritised on clinical details and appointed appropriately.

Appointment information

Appointments are usually sent to the patient via the post.  If the appointment is less than 7 days the patient will be contacted via the telephone.  Please ensure a contact number is available on the request form.  Appointments are given between 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday.  The length of the appointments vary.  Please discuss with the patient that they may be in the department between 30 and 90 minutes depending on their examination type.

The patient may also receive a text message reminding them about their appointment. The text messages are sent at 7 days and 2 days before the appointment.  To ensure the patient receives a text reminder please inform us of the patients mobile number on the MRI request form.

We allocate appointments according to the next available appointment at either site. Some examinations are site specific.  Where possible we do try and book an appointment at a hospital which is near the patient’s home address. However, sometimes this may not be possible especially. 

For CHH appointments. Prior to the examination the patient will be taken from the reception to a ‘patient only’ waiting area.  Relatives/friends/carers accompanying the patient will be asked to remain in the reception area.  However, if they require assistance they are asked to discuss this with the receptionist.