CT Trauma Series (Head to mid-thigh)
CTNICE NG392016v2.0 · March 2026
Immediate
ED
All imaging requests must be justified by an IR(ME)R practitioner (radiologist or radiographer)Physiological criteria
Immediate— ANY of the following
- GCS ≤12
- Systolic BP <90 mmHg
- Respiratory rate <8 or >30
- SpO₂ <90% on air
- Other abnormal physiology
Mechanism criteria
— ANY of the following
- High-energy MVC (>64 km/h, ejection, rollover)
- Pedestrian/cyclist struck by motor vehicle
- Fall from height >3 m or >5 steps
- Penetrating injury to head/neck/torso/proximal limbs
- Crush injury
Clinical/anatomical criteria
— ANY of the following
- Suspected injury to ≥2 body regions
- Pelvic instability
- Limb paralysis
- Suspected major vascular injury
Age-related low energy
Age ≥65 with fall from standing AND at least one physiological or clinical criterion
- Age ≥65 with fall from standing height with any physiological or clinical criterion above
Notes
Warning
Reasonable mechanism alone is insufficient — at least one physiological or clinical criterion must also be present (NICE NG39)
Radiation Dose
Whole-body CT trauma effective dose ~20–30 mSv
Paediatric
Do NOT routinely use whole-body CT for children <16 (NG39 Rec 1.4.7)
Change Log
v1.02026-03-05Initial publication
v2.02026-03-08Modality and settings fields added. Paediatric note added.