CT ED Imaging Protocols

Revised against current UK national guidelines · March 2026

Every CT must be individually justified under IR(ME)R 2017 — benefit must outweigh risk. Clinical indication and relevant clinical information must be documented on the request.

These protocols applicable to Patients aged 16 and over only

General Principles & Governance

CT Trauma Series (Head to mid-thigh)

ImmediateNICE NG39

4 sections · 15 criteria

CT Head: Head Injury

VariesNICE NG232

2 sections · 12 criteria

CT Head: Stroke Thrombolysis

ImmediateNICE NG128NICE TA990

3 sections · 5 criteria

CT Head: Stroke Non-Thrombolysis / Thrombectomy

ImmediateNICE NG128RCP National Clinical Guideline for Stroke

2 sections · 10 criteria

CT Head: Other

VariesNICE NG228

1 section · 4 criteria

CT Cervical Spine

Within 1 hourNICE NG41

3 sections · 13 criteria

CT Orbit / Sinuses

Varies

1 section · 6 criteria

CT Thorax

Varies

1 section · 6 criteria

CTPA: Pulmonary Embolism

VariesNICE NG158

3 sections · 5 criteria

CT Abdomen and Pelvis

VariesNICE NG104NICE NG118

6 sections · 13 criteria

CT Aorta: Acute Aortic Syndrome

ImmediateNICE NG156RCR/RCEM

1 section · 5 criteria

CT Hip

Within 24 hoursNICE CG124

1 section · 3 criteria