The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Private Radiology and Imaging Services
A branch of medicine that uses images to investigate and diagnose medical conditions. Our consultant radiologists work within our multidisciplinary team to help diagnose and treat diseases using imaging.
What is clinical radiology?
Clinical radiology is a specialty that uses medical imaging to diagnose and, sometimes, treat diseases seen within the body. Our clinical radiologists are qualified medical doctors who have undertaken an additional five years of study and intensive training to specialise in this field. They are trained to perform and interpret medical images to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of all parts of the body.
At our hospitals, our team of radiologists use a variety of imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. These include:
- X-rays
- MRI - magnetic resonance imaging scans
- Ultrasounds
- CT - computed tomography scans
- Nuclear medicine scans - such as bone scans, thyroid scans SPECT-CT and PET CT scans
- Interventional radiology - minimally invasive medical procedures conducted under the guidance of imaging technologies
You may be referred to a clinical radiologist by your consultant to help with a diagnosis.
Need to Know
Our full range of radiology imaging services
Our clinical radiologists are part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with radiographers and consultants to provide the best scanning care possible.
CT scans use X-rays to take detailed 2D and 3D images of inside your body. From the scan a doctor can diagnose and monitor many conditions including cancer, strokes and fractures, and they're used to investigate a wide range of symptoms.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of scan using strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality images of the inside of the body. An MRI scanner looks like a large tube that you lie inside. The machine makes a knocking noise when it’s scanning and you may feel vibrations.
PET-CT scans combine PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computised tomography) technology in one full body scanner. This advanced nuclear imaging technique shows how the cells in the body are functioning at the same time as generating 2D and 3D images of inside the body.
A SPECT-CT scan is made up of two separate elements, a SPECT scan and a CT scan. The images from each scan are merged together to create the SPECT-CT scan. The process provides more accurate information about the anatomy and function of the area being scanned and makes it easier to identify problems.
During a mammogram your breasts will be X-rayed in detail so any problems, such as cancerous cells, can be found early before they're large enough to be felt. Your breasts will be X-rayed one at a time. Each breast is scanned twice, from different angles.
An ultrasound diagnostic scan is often carried out when a lump or change in the breast is felt or an abnormality is detected on a mammogram. This will often provide valuable additional information about the nature and cause of the abnormality. An ultrasound may also be used if you have dense breast tissue.
A bone density scan is also known as a DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, DXA scan, and bone densitometry scan. The loss of bone density with age (osteoporosis) weakens your bones. This type of scan is used to measure the density and strength of your bones, and check for osteoporosis.
Liver fibrosis refers to a scarring of liver tissue. It is the liver's response to injury; and can, in some cases, lead to cirrhosis of the liver. FibroScan® is a quick, non-invasive measurement of the elasticity of liver tissue, without the need for a biopsy. It is a similar process to an ultrasound.
A liver ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to produce detailed images (sonograms) of your liver. These images are analysed by a radiologist and your GP or consultant, to help check for problems related to the liver, such as liver conditions like fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays to acquire high-resolution, 3D images of your heart and coronary arteries. It is able to accurately detect the presence and extent of different plaques within your arteries, before they are detectable by other techniques.
A cardiac MRI is used to look at your heart's function and structure. The MRI scanner uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency waves and a computer to create detailed still and moving images of your heart. These images can help in early diagnosis and treatment of suspected cardiac conditions.
You have two carotid arteries located on either side of your neck. They deliver blood from your heart to your brain. A carotid ultrasound tests for narrowed carotid arteries, which can increase the risk of stroke. The results can help your consultant determine a treatment to lower your stroke risk.
A Doppler ultrasound scan can be used to create a real-time image of blood flowing through your blood vessels. It does this by bouncing sound waves off the red blood cells in your body. It's a non-invasive test, which means we won't need to make a cut in your skin or inject something into you.
An endoanal ultrasound is used to demonstrate either childbirth trauma or post surgical trauma to the sphincter. This is a muscle that maintains constriction of a natural body passage, such as the anus. It may also show abnormal thinning of an intact internal sphincter, associated with incontinence.
An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is used to take tissue samples from the lungs or the lymph nodes in the chest. It may be used to check for lung cancer, other cancers that are suspected of spreading to the lymph nodes, lymphoma and other non-cancerous conditions such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.
An internal scan that allows a consultant to examine the organs and structures in the chest and abdomen in detail using high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of your digestive system and chest, it can also include neighbouring organs such as the liver and pancreas.
A FDG PET (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) scan is used to assess the metabolic activity of certain tumours. It's often used to detect the following: lung cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphomas and melanomas.
Between 19-21 weeks, it is normal for your unborn baby to have their heart scanned. With ultrasound imaging, we can monitor their heart, blood vessels, blood flow and general well-being. The test is carried out in a supportive environment.
Intravascular ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to visualize the inside of your coronary arteries. The ultrasound images are generated in real time and can be used by your consultant to help make sure the correct size coronary stent is inserted and fully expanded.
A multi-parametric MRI scan is a new imaging technique that can help diagnose prostate cancer. It produces high-definition images of the prostate which help identify and locate a prostate tumour.
A renal ultrasound is a scan that can be carried out to produce images of your bladder, kidneys and prostate (in men). It lets allows your consultant to check the size, shape and health of these organs, and can help us to diagnose a range of conditions, like kidney stones and urinary incontinence.
An ultrasound can be used to help diagnose conditions, monitor the progress of unborn babies and for guidance during a variety of procedures, such as biopsies. As sounds waves are used rather radiation, an ultrasound scan is classed as a safe procedure.
An ultrasound scan sends sound waves through your womb (uterus), these waves bounce off your baby as echoes. The echoes are recorded and translated into an image on a screen that will show your baby, how its positioned and its movements. Ultrasound scans are painless and have no side effects.
The thyroid is a gland in the neck. It can be affected by several diseases. You can test for these in a thyroid scan, which is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. Our clinicians have experience of all aspects of thyroid disease and offer diagnostic services and treatment for every thyroid condition.
Our Radiology locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.