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
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