Safety screening before booking

The high-stakes safety question at United Radiology is contrast for CT — we need to screen before booking a contrast scan, not when the patient walks in. (We don't offer MRI, so MRI safety screening isn't our job — see here for how to handle MRI enquiries.)

CT with contrast

Ask before booking a contrast CT

• ☐Previous reaction to iodinated contrast
• ☐Known severe asthma
• ☐Diabetes + metformin (may need temporary withhold post-scan)
• ☐Pregnancy
• ☐eGFR result within last 90 days

For contraindications to flag to the radiographer on the day of the scan, see CT fast facts.

Pregnancy (all ionising scans)

Always ask women of childbearing age about pregnancy before confirming an XR or CT appointment. If unsure, the scan is deferred until we can confirm or clear with the radiologist.

Renal function (contrast CT, CT calcium scoring, CT-guided procedures)

High-risk groups (age 70+, kidney disease, diabetics, Metformin) need a recent eGFR. See CT fast facts for the full rules and the Metformin cessation requirement.

What to do if a "yes" comes up

1. Don't book the appointment yet.
2. Take the patient's full details and the contraindication.
3. Pass it to the radiographer to message Jules with the relevant info; Jules will get the radiologist's instructions.
4. Tell the patient you'll call back within 1 business day with confirmation, and follow whatever the radiologist comes back with.