We have collected together some of your most asked questions below. If there is anything you would like to talk about in more detail or there is a query you have not found the answer to please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 0118 338 2500 or emailing info@berkshireimaging.co.uk.
General questions
To access diagnostic imaging scans such as CT, MRI and Ultasound you will need to ask your clinician to complete our on-line referral form. We accept referrals from a range of medical professionals, including GPs, hospital specialists, physiotherapies and chiropractors. Once we receive their submission our patient care team will be in touch to arrange an appointment convenient for you.
For breast imaging (screening mammograms, ultrasound and MRI) your doctor will need to refer you directly to the specialist breast team at Spire Dunedin Hospital (0118 958 7676).
If you think you could benefit from one of our available treatments then contact us to find out more.
You can choose to pay your treatment either by funding it yourself or through your health insurance company. However you choose to pay we have all the information you may need on our payment information page.
Berkshire Imaging does not provide results directly to patients. Your imaging report will be sent securely to your referring clinician. Your clinician will then contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps. If you require a copy of your imaging report, this should be requested directly from your referring clinician.
We are one of the largest private radiology groups in Berkshire providing imaging for patients across the county. As leaders in medical imaging and image guided treatments we use cutting edge technologies to diagnose and treat many different and often complex conditions.
We understand you may be concerned about your health and will want to be seen as quickly as possible. We have good relationships with all the major private hospitals across Berkshire enabling us to give you rapid access to private scans. A quick and accurate diagnosis helps ensure a better outcome helping you to find the correct treatment or simply to put your mind to ease.
Call our friendly patient care team who will be happy to discuss your needs.
MRI scans
The MRI scans we offer include:
- cervical spine
- thoracic spine
- lumbar spine
- knee
- hips
- shoulder
- wrist
- ankle
- elbow
- prostate
- liver and gallbladder
- pelvis
- head
- neck
An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves whereas a CT scan uses X-rays. Both types of scans provide detailed images of internal body structures and both have advantages and some risks. Generally, your doctor will recommend an MRI scan as a way of obtaining detailed images of soft tissues, organs and ligaments. However, some people may not be able to have an MRI scan, so they will discuss your individual circumstances with you.
This will depend on which part of your body is being scanned. For imaging areas such as knee, ankle, foot and lower back you will go in feet first and most people will have their head outside of the scanner. For areas such as the head, neck, breast and abdominal area, you will go in head first.
No. MRI scanners are open at both ends.
No. There are currently no open MRI scanners in Berkshire.
Some patients are anxious about the thought of a MRI scan and being in an enclosed space. An MRI scanner is open at both ends and is located in a spacious room. Although it is quite noisy you will either be given ear plugs to block out the sound or you will be given headphones so that you can listen to music. You will also be given a call bell for the duration of the scan which you can use to alert the radiographers immediately should you have a problem.
If you think claustrophobia may still be an issue please feel free to discuss this with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a mild sedative. This does not put you to sleep but relaxes you. If you do take a sedative you will need someone with you who can drive you home after the scan.
Certain cardiac valves and neurosurgical clips are not compatible with the MRI scanner and it is therefore important we have accurate information about the surgery you have had prior to your scan.
Yes, it is safe to drive home after both CT scans and MRI scans that involve an injection of dye.
Yes, as long as it was put in more than 6 weeks ago.
We offer a broad range of treatments at Berkshire Imaging, at a number of different locations. For this reason the price will vary. Please call 0118 338 2500 or email info@berkshireimaging.co.uk for an accurate price. You can also get in touch via our contact page. You can read more information relating to payments and insurance on our payment information page.
Berkshire Imaging does not provide results directly to patients. Your imaging report will be sent securely to your referring clinician. Your clinician will then contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps. If you require a copy of your imaging report, this should be requested directly from your referring clinician.
CT scans
We offer the following CT scans:
- headneck
- temporal bones
- sinuses
- chest
- abdomen and pelvis
- virtual colonoscopy
- cardiac
- hips
- spines
- knees
- peripheral angiogram
An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves whereas a CT scan uses X-rays. Both types of scans provide detailed images of internal body structures and both have advantages and some risks. Generally, your doctor will recommend an MRI scan as a way of obtaining detailed images of soft tissues, organs and ligaments. However, some people may not be able to have an MRI scan so they will discuss your individual circumstances with you.
Normally you will only be in the scan room for five to 10 minutes and the scan itself often takes under a minute.
We offer a broad range of treatments at Berkshire Imaging, at a number of different locations. For this reason the price will vary. Please call 0118 338 2500 or email info@berkshireimaging.co.uk for an accurate price. You can also get in touch via our contact page. You can read more information relating to payments and insurance on our payment information page.
Berkshire Imaging does not provide results directly to patients. Your imaging report will be sent securely to your referring clinician. Your clinician will then contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps. If you require a copy of your imaging report, this should be requested directly from your referring clinician.
If you are going to have a CT scan that requires an injection of dye, you will need to have had a blood test to check your kidney function within 3 months before your scan.
Yes, it is safe to drive home if you have had an injection of contrast dye.
Ultrasound scans
Berkshire Imaging does not provide results directly to patients. Your imaging report will be sent securely to your referring clinician. Your clinician will then contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps. If you require a copy of your imaging report, this should be requested directly from your referring clinician.
We offer the following ultrasound scans:
- abdomen
- kidneys
- liver and gallbladder
- pelvis
- neck
- thyroid
- testes
- groin
- shoulder
- elbow
- wrist and hand
- hip
- knee
- ankle
- foot
- soft tissue lumps
Berkshire Imaging does not offer pregnancy scans or fertility scanning.
If your doctor thinks you need a breast ultrasound they will need to refer you directly to the specialist team at Spire Dunhill Hospital as we are unable to take direct referrals. For more information on breast imaging including what it is used for, the benefits and risks please visit our breast imaging page here.
Ultrasound scans usually take around 15 – 20 minutes depending on the type of scan.
We offer a broad range of treatments at Berkshire Imaging, at a number of different locations. For this reason the price will vary. Please call 0118 338 2500 or email info@berkshireimaging.co.uk for an accurate price. You can also get in touch via our contact page. You can read more information relating to payments and insurance on our payment information page.
Breast imaging
In the local Reading area, breast scans (such as mammograms, ultrasounds or MRI) are carried out only at the Spire Dunedin Hospital. To ensure the highest standards of safety and accuracy, there are strict guidelines around breast imaging. Because of this, patients who have any breast symptoms such as pain, lumps, changes in the breast or any other concerns in that area, are usually required to be assessed by a breast consultant (surgeon) to ensure the most appropriate scans/tests are arranged.
A specialist will be able to examine you, discuss your symptoms, and decide which type of imaging is most appropriate and clinically safe for you. Please contact:
Breast Consultant at Spire Dunedin Hospital
If you have symptoms or concerns, you may wish to contact:
Mr Brendan Smith – Consultant Breast & Reconstructive Surgeon (at Spire Dunedin Hospital)
Email: smith.oncoplastics@proton.me Tel: 07874 046170
If you are enquiring about breast imaging without any symptoms or concerns, you can contact the Radiology Department at Spire Dunedin Hospital directly for further advice and pricing information. They are the only hospital in our local area providing breast scans (such as mammograms).
Spire Dunedin Radiology: 0118 958 7676
Please note: they will usually require a referral before providing a quote.
Sports imaging
Early diagnosis of sports injuries can significantly help recovery time. We are one of the largest private radiology groups Berkshire and our 23 consultant radiologists use the latest technologies to diagnose and treat many different sports related injuries. Contact us by calling 0118 338 2500 or emailing info@berkshireimaging.co.uk or visit out sports imaging page to find out more about related scans and treatments.
Berkshire Imaging does not provide results directly to patients. Your imaging report will be sent securely to your referring clinician. Your clinician will then contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps. If you require a copy of your imaging report, this should be requested directly from your referring clinician.
We offer a broad range of treatments at Berkshire Imaging, at a number of different locations. For this reason the price will vary. Please call 0118 338 2500 or email info@berkshireimaging.co.uk for an accurate price. You can also get in touch via our contact page. You can read more information relating to payments and insurance on our payment information page.
The local anaesthetic in the injection will take effect quickly – sometimes in as little as a few seconds, but certainly within a couple of minutes. The effects of the anaesthetic will wear off within around 8-12 hours. However, the steroid, while it is slower to act, provides a longer lasting benefit. It usually takes at least 2-3 days for the steroid to start working and it may be up to 2 weeks before you see any noticeable improvement.
The numbing effect of the local anaesthetic will wear off in 8-12 hours. The effect of the steroid is variable, but for most people it lasts between 3 – 6 months. In some cases, you may experience benefits for up to a year, while for some people they may only last for 2-3 weeks. It is impossible to say beforehand, unfortunately.
Steroid injections to joints and nerve roots are very safe procedures and there are very few contraindications. In general, we would not perform an injection within 2 weeks of someone having a flu or covid-19 vaccination.
If you have any infection elsewhere in your body (including another joint), or sepsis (infection of the bloodstream), we would not normally go ahead with a steroid injection as it can suppress immunity and this could prolong or worsen the infection.
If you have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past you would not be suitable for the procedure (even targeted steroid injections into the joints).
The risk of any significant bleeding is very low with steroid injections, but if you are on particularly strong anticoagulation such as warfarin, or if you have a bleeding disorder, we would advise proceeding with caution. Your consultant radiologist can discuss this with you.
The risk in pregnancy and during breastfeeding is very low, as only very minute doses of steroid are thought to enter the bloodstream, but this is always discussed on a case-by-case basis.
A steroid flare is a painful or uncomfortable side-effect that can sometimes occur following a steroid injection. The symptoms include pain at the injection site, sometimes with a little bleeding or skin discolouration. A steroid flare is usually best relieved by resting the affected joint and avoiding heavy exertion. Paracetamol and/or anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen are effective ways to relieve pain. The steroid flare will settle by itself within 2-3 days and is nothing to worry about.
No additional isolation is required.
While most people find that they feel well enough to drive home after a joint or nerve root injection, we don’t recommend it as you may find that your joint or leg is quite numb following the local anaesthetic.
Additionally, certain vehicle insurance companies may not provide cover for 24 hours following an injection, so if you do decide to drive yourself home after your procedure, we advise checking your insurance policy.
We would advise resting for 48 hours following a joint injection or nerve root injection. During this time it is fine to do normal everyday household activities such as dressing yourself, walking around the house, brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, and so on.
We do not advise any heavy lifting (including large grocery bags, or weight training) for at least 48 hours after the injection. Repetitive use of the injected joint is also inadvisable. So, for example if you have had a finger injection, it would be best not to use that hand for DIY tasks or to do a lot of typing.
If you have had a nerve root or lower limb joint injection, you should avoid going on any long walks (further than a few hundred metres) for 48 hours.
After the initial 48 hours, you may cautiously see how your joint or back feel and increase activity as you feel comfortable. If in doubt, talk to your consultant radiologist.
We are currently operating using guidance based on research into steroid effects on the influenza vaccination. This advises a minimum interval of 2 weeks between the vaccination and any steroid injection.
Image Guided Biopsy
Image guided biopsies are used to diagnose a wide range of conditions ranging from infectious diseases to cancers. Once you have a definitive diagnosis your consultant will discuss the most appropriate course of treatment for you.
Biopsy samples are sent to a specialist pathology laboratory for analysis. Once processed, the pathology report will be returned to your referring clinician.
Berkshire Imaging does not issue biopsy results directly to patients. Your referring clinician will contact you to discuss the results.
We offer a broad range of treatments at Berkshire Imaging, at a number of different locations. For this reason the price will vary. Please call 0118 338 2500 or email info@berkshireimaging.co.uk for an accurate price. You can also get in touch via our contact page. You can read more information relating to payments and insurance on our payment information page.
Follow the instructions we send you prior to the procedure. In certain cases, such as if you require sedation, you may need to avoid eating for several hours beforehand.