• Reference Number: HEY1547/2025
• Departments: Radiology
• Last Updated: 30 June 2025

Introduction

You have been referred to the Rapid Diagnostic Service (RDS) by your GP. This leaflet is intended to give you general information about what happens after you have undergone your imaging tests. This leaflet should answer most of your questions although it is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor. If you have any remaining concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the health care team who has been caring for you or contact your GP.

What happens now I have had my tests?

You have received all or a combination of the following tests today; ultrasound abdomen and pelvis, chest x-ray and CT.

A CT was recommended following review of your initial ultrasound and chest x-ray. The reasons for this should have been communicated to you whilst in the department.

The images from your CT have been sent electronically to a radiologist (a specialist doctor in the field of diagnostic imaging). The radiologist will interpret the scan and issue a report to your GP usually within 10 days.

During the reporting stage, and review of your clinical information, the radiologist may identify further tests to be considered by your GP. We will include these recommendations along with the final report of your RDS encounter and send them to your GP. This does not mean that we have found anything concerning. This procedure is to ensure we have covered all investigations appropriate to your specific symptoms. Your GP will consider these recommendations and request if necessary.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Radiology Department (RDS Nurse Specialists) on tel: 01482 469370.

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.