If you don’t have a referral or you need urgent care, just walk in and the VisitHealth GP will assess you and provide a referral if needed. From there, the X-ray can be immediately done on-site.

If you already have a referral, you can book an X-ray at the clinic or request an at-home X-ray. For a scan at home, our GP can accompany the X-ray technician, assess your condition, and proceed with the X-ray.

There’s no special preparation required for most X-rays. You simply come in and get the scan done. X-rays are typically used to check for bone injuries or conditions like chest infections, and for these, no eating restrictions or other preparation are necessary. Unlike other diagnostic tests, X-rays don’t involve the digestive system or any area that would require you to refrain from eating.

So you can just show up and get the X-ray done. It’s straightforward and quick.

Yes, it’s essential to remove all jewellery, watches, and metal objects before an X-ray. Metal can interfere with the imaging process and cause artefacts, which are distortions on the X-ray film. These artefacts can blur the image and make it harder for the radiologist to get a clear picture, and might even lead to having to rebook the scan. To avoid this, it's best to remove all metal in advance, so the scan can be done accurately the first time.

Pregnant women should generally avoid X-rays because radiation can pose a risk to the developing baby. While the amount of radiation from a single X-ray is low, it’s still enough that doctors prefer to avoid exposing pregnant women to it unless absolutely necessary. If the diagnostic information is critical, such as in cases of severe trauma or urgent medical conditions, an X-ray might be done, but these cases are rare. The decision comes down to weighing the potential risks to the baby against the importance of the information the X-ray would provide.

No, fasting is not required before most X-ray scans. Unlike other tests that call for an empty stomach, standard X-rays don’t. The purpose of the X-ray is to capture a clear image of bones or organs, and eating beforehand doesn’t affect that.

In most cases, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing for the X-ray, particularly if the area being scanned is covered by fabric. Clothing, especially with zippers, buttons, and metal fastenings can distort the X-ray image. Depending on what part of your body is being scanned, the technician might ask you to wear a gown.

Yes, it’s very important to inform the doctor or technician if you have any implants, previous surgeries, or medical devices like metal plates, pins, or joint replacements. These can affect the scan. The technician needs to know so they can adjust the procedure accordingly, ensuring that the X-ray captures the area properly without interference from the metal in your body.

While there is some radiation exposure with X-rays, it’s minimal and comparable to the amount you would receive from a short plane flight. The level of radiation from a standard X-ray is quite low, especially with modern equipment that uses very narrow, focused beams. In fact, the radiation is so minimal that most patients don’t require additional protective measures like lead aprons. The risk is generally outweighed by the benefit of obtaining accurate diagnostic information that could be crucial for treatment. Portable X-ray machines, like those used for home visits, expose patients to even lower levels of radiation compared to the larger machines found in clinics.

The preparation depends on the type of ultrasound being performed. You’ll be given specific instructions prior to your appointment. For some scans, like an abdominal ultrasound, you may need to avoid eating and drinking. For others, there might be no special preparation required.

acute conditions: If the ultrasound is for an acute condition – for example, to check for free gas or fluid in the abdomen – no preparation is typically needed. The priority is to quickly assess the condition.

thyroid ultrasound: There is no special preparation needed. You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual before the scan.

vascular ultrasound: Similar to thyroid ultrasounds, most vascular ultrasounds do not require any preparation.

pelvic ultrasound: Drink more water.

Yes, the preparation varies. For an abdominal ultrasound, it is generally recommended to have the scan in the morning after you have refrained from eating, which helps keep the gallbladder expanded. For a pelvic ultrasound, you are often asked to have a full bladder to get clearer images of the bladder and surrounding areas.

Yes, in most cases you will be asked to have a full bladder before a pelvic ultrasound. This provides a clearer image of the bladder, its walls, and the surrounding structures, allowing the doctor to see more details.

It depends on the area being examined. For abdominal scans, it is usually recommended that you refrain from eating for several hours beforehand. You’ll be informed prior to your appointment whether you can eat and how long before the scan you should stop eating.

You are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily removed if necessary. If you are having an abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, it helps if clothing can be easily lifted or removed. There are no strict requirements, however. You may also be offered a disposable gown for your comfort during the scan.

For some types of ultrasound, such as pelvic scans, having a full bladder is necessary. It allows for better visualisation of the bladder and the surrounding areas. A full bladder also provides clearer images of features like bladder walls, stones, and blood clots.

In general, ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive procedure with very few contraindications. Preparation depends on the area being examined, and in some cases preparation may not be required at all.

Self-referral

No referral is necessary. You can book an MRI scan at your convenience.

If you don’t have a doctor’s referral, we’ll arrange a brief consultation with our in-house doctor before the scan. This ensures that the correct type of scan is selected for you.

Insurance-funded

We are accredited with most UK and international insurance providers. We recommend, however, confirming coverage with our team before scheduling.

You should plan to spend around one and a half to two hours in the clinic. This time includes changing into a gown, discussing the procedure with the technician, and completing the scan itself. For large scans, such as a full spinal MRI, the process may take longer and could be split over two days.

Yes, for lengthy MRI procedures like a full spine scan, the appointment can be split over two days, with each session lasting around three to four hours. This can make the process more comfortable for the patient.

During the appointment, you’ll first change into a gown and have a discussion with the MRI technician to ensure it’s safe to proceed. The scan itself will take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of MRI. Afterward, you’ll be able to get dressed, and the results will be sent to your doctor.

You don’t need any special preparation before an MRI. You can come as you are, but make sure to follow instructions regarding metal objects, such as jewelry.

No, there are no dietary restrictions before an MRI. You can eat and drink as usual. However, if you're undergoing an MRI with contrast, we recommend drinking extra water beforehand.

If you have metal implants or a pacemaker, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor. Some metal devices are safe, but others, particularly pacemakers, may prevent you from having an MRI. Always check with the specialist who installed your implant.

No, fasting is not required before an MRI unless specifically advised by your doctor.

Yes, you must remove all jewelry, regardless of the material. Metal can interfere with the MRI images, causing distortions or “artefacts” in the results.

Most likely, yes. You will be asked to change into a gown to avoid any interference from metal objects that may be in your clothing, even if you’re wearing sportswear without visible metal parts.

Yes, you can continue taking your regular medication before an MRI. There are no restrictions regarding medication use.

Preparation depends on the type of test. For most blood tests, it is recommended to refrain from eating for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to make the blood draw easier.

Yes, ahead of certain tests such as those for glucose and cholesterol, refraining from eating is necessary. Your doctor will inform you if your specific test calls for fasting.

In most cases, you can continue taking your regular medication unless you are otherwise advised by your doctor. If taking certain medications needs to be put on hold, we will let you know in advance.

For some tests, like lipid panels, you may need to avoid fatty foods the day before. Other than that, there are typically no dietary restrictions unless specified by your doctor.

Yes, at VisitHealth you can schedule a blood test without a doctor’s referral if you know what tests you need. If you’re unsure, you can consult with one of our doctors.

The results of routine blood tests such as a complete blood count or biochemistry are usually ready the same day or the next day. More complex tests such as those for antibodies and hormones may take up to five working days. We will inform you of the expected timeline when your tests are taken.

No special preparation is usually needed. If it is, your doctor will inform you beforehand.

No, all necessary medical supplies and medication are provided by VisitHealth.

Yes, you can schedule regular nursing care visits based on your needs. These can be arranged daily or as frequently as you need them.

Yes, the nurse can assist with medication management, including instructions on when and how to take your medications.

Appointments usually last between fifteen minutes and an hour, depending on the procedure.

Yes, it’s important to inform both the nurse and the doctor about any allergies and medical conditions.

Preparation depends on the type of endoscopy. For a gastroscopy, you should fast, so no eating or drinking, for 3–4 hours beforehand. For a colonoscopy, you will need to follow a bowel cleansing process the day before, including the complete avoidance of all solid food while drinking a special preparation to clear your bowels.

Yes, for both a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy, this is the case. You’ll need to fast for at least 3–4 hours before a gastroscopy and from the afternoon the day before a colonoscopy.

You can usually take your regular medication, but it may be recommended to wait until after the procedure, especially if your medication calls for the intake of water. We provide specific instructions based on your situation.

Yes, and you will receive detailed instructions before your appointment. For a colonoscopy, you may need to avoid foods like grains, fruits, and berries for a few days, as these can make the procedure more difficult.

Wear comfortable clothes, but you will be asked to change into a medical gown for the procedure, so it’s not too important what you wear.

Yes, because sedation is often used during an endoscopy, you should arrange for someone to take you home. You shouldn’t drive or use public transportation alone after the procedure.

Yes, it’s advisable to have someone accompany you, especially since you’ll be under sedation and will need assistance getting home safely.