How Long Does It Take to Get Your Scan Results?
How long scan results take depends on the type of scan and where you have it. NHS X-ray or MRI results can take days or even weeks. At a private clinic like ScanAlign, a specialist radiologist reviews your standing EOS images and produces a detailed report, which is then shared with you and your referring clinician.
Key takeaways
- NHS scan results often take several days to weeks, depending on the type of scan and local demand.
- Private clinics can generally produce reports faster because referral pathways are shorter.
- At ScanAlign, your EOS images are reviewed by a specialist radiologist and a detailed report is produced.
- You receive a copy of your report and your images, so you can share them with any clinician.
- If anything urgent is found, you are contacted promptly.
Waiting for scan results is one of the most stressful parts of any investigation. Whether you have had an X-ray, MRI or CT, the question is always the same: how long until I know what is going on? The answer varies widely, and understanding what affects it can help ease the wait.
What is included in scan results?
Scan results are more than a single image. They typically include the images themselves and a written report from a radiologist, the specialist doctor trained to interpret medical imaging. The report describes what has been seen, highlights anything abnormal, and offers a clinical opinion.
At ScanAlign, standing EOS imaging in London, your results include full-length standing images of your skeleton captured in a natural, weight-bearing position. A specialist radiologist analyses these images and produces a comprehensive alignment report. You can read more about how EOS scan results are reported.
How does the results process work at ScanAlign?
The process is straightforward. From booking to receiving your report, every step is designed to keep things clear and efficient.
You can book your scan online or after a free video consultation. No GP referral is required.
Your EOS scan is quick and comfortable. You stand naturally while the system captures full-length images with about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less. Learn more about what to expect at an alignment assessment.
A specialist radiologist analyses your images, measuring alignment from head to feet. They produce a detailed written report covering the full biomechanical picture.
Your report and images are shared with you and, if applicable, with your referring clinician. You own your images and can share them with anyone involved in your care.
How long do NHS scan results take compared to private?
On the NHS, standard X-ray results may take a few days, while MRI and CT results can take one to two weeks or sometimes longer. This depends on radiologist availability, the complexity of the scan, and local demand. Results are usually sent to the doctor who requested the scan, not directly to you, which can add further waiting time.
Private clinics generally have shorter reporting pathways. Because you are the one commissioning the scan, results come to you directly alongside your referring clinician.
- Report sent directly to you
- Shorter reporting pathways
- You receive your own images
- Easier to share with multiple clinicians
- Results sent to the requesting doctor first
- Can take days to weeks
- Follow-up appointment often needed to discuss
- Images may not be given directly to you
How can you manage anxiety while waiting for scan results?
Waiting for results can feel unsettling, especially if you have been dealing with pain or uncertainty for a long time. That is completely normal. A few things that can help:
- Ask when to expect results. Knowing the timeline removes one layer of uncertainty.
- Write down your questions. When results do arrive, you will be ready to discuss them clearly with your clinician.
- Avoid over-researching symptoms online. Generic information can increase worry without adding clarity.
- Remember that the scan is a positive step. Getting the right imaging is how you move from guesswork to a clear plan.
At ScanAlign, you are kept informed throughout the process. If something urgent is found on your images, you are contacted promptly so that appropriate steps can be taken without delay.
A note about MRI and other scans. EOS imaging is excellent for showing bones, joints and whole-body alignment in a standing position. For soft tissue, discs or nerves, MRI is usually the better tool. If your clinician has recommended an MRI, those results follow a separate reporting process. ScanAlign focuses on standing skeletal alignment, which complements MRI findings rather than replacing them.
Not sure which scan you need? A free video consultation with our team can help you understand whether standing EOS imaging is the right next step for your situation.
Book a free video consultationFrequently asked questions about scan results
Private clinics generally have shorter reporting timelines than the NHS because referral pathways are more direct. The exact time depends on the clinic and the complexity of the scan.
A specialist radiologist reviews and reports on your images. The report is then shared with you and, where applicable, with your referring clinician. At ScanAlign, you receive your own copy of the report and images.
NHS MRI results typically take one to two weeks, though it can be longer depending on local demand. Results are usually sent to the doctor who requested the scan rather than directly to you.
Some private clinics offer same-day or next-day reporting for certain scans. Timelines vary, so it is best to ask the clinic directly when booking.
No. ScanAlign accepts self-referrals. You can book directly without needing a letter from your GP. A free video consultation helps confirm that standing EOS imaging is the right choice for you.
If the radiologist identifies anything that needs urgent attention, you are contacted promptly so that appropriate clinical steps can be taken without delay.
Yes. At ScanAlign, you receive your images alongside your written report. You can share them with any clinician involved in your care.
Pricing varies by scan type and clinic. For details on ScanAlign's costs, visit our frequently asked questions page.
Yes. EOS uses about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less. It is one of the lowest-dose skeletal imaging systems available.
A standard X-ray report focuses on a single area. An EOS alignment report captures your full skeleton while standing, allowing the radiologist to assess how your entire body works together under load. This can reveal compensatory patterns that single-area imaging misses.
Ready to get clear answers?
A free video consultation helps you understand whether standing EOS imaging is the right next step. No obligation, no pressure.
Book a free video consultationWritten by Abbas Dhami (Specialist Diagnostic Radiographer)
Sources
- NHS. "How to get your test results." nhs.uk, accessed 2024.
- The Royal College of Radiologists. "Standards for the reporting and interpretation of imaging investigations." RCR, 2nd edition, 2018.
- Illés T, Somoskeöy S. "The EOS imaging system and its uses in daily orthopaedic practice." International Orthopaedics, 2012; 36(7): 1395–1402.
This page is general information and not a diagnosis.
ScanAlign is the trading name of CoreMed Solutions Ltd and operates under The Harley Street Hospital's CQC licence.