CT & MRI Imaging Protocols
Revised against current UK national guidelines · v2.1 · March 2026
29 protocols across 12 body regions
Every CT must be individually justified under IR(ME)R 2017 (as amended 2024) — benefit must outweigh risk. Clinical indication and relevant clinical information must be documented on the request.
These protocols are applicable to all clinical settings (ED, Inpatient, Outpatient). Age-specific criteria are noted where applicable.
Head & Brain
CT Head — Head Injury (adults ≥16)CT
Varies
ED
NICE NG232 (May 2023)3 sections · 13 criteria
CT Head — Head Injury (children <16)CT
Varies
ED
NICE NG232 (May 2023)2 sections · 12 criteria
CT Head — Stroke ThrombolysisCT
Immediate
ED
NICE NG1283 sections · 7 criteria
CT Head — Stroke: Non-Thrombolysis / ThrombectomyCT
Immediate
ED
NICE NG1282 sections · 11 criteria
CT Head — Other Acute IndicationsCT
Varies
EDInpatient
NICE NG2285 sections · 10 criteria
MRI Brain — OutpatientMRI
Varies
Outpatient
NICE NG217 (Epilepsy)7 sections · 17 criteria
Spine
CT Cervical Spine [ED]CT
Within 1 hour
ED
NICE NG2322 sections · 14 criteria
MRI Cervical Spine [ED/INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT]MRI
Varies
EDInpatientOutpatient
NICE NG412 sections · 6 criteria
MRI Lumbar Spine — Low Back Pain [OUTPATIENT]MRI
Varies
Outpatient
NICE NG592 sections · 6 criteria
MRI Lumbar Spine — Cauda Equina Syndrome [ED/INPATIENT]MRI
Immediate
EDInpatient
BASS Standards of Care 20182 sections · 8 criteria
CT/MRI Whole Spine — MSCC [INPATIENT]CT/MRI
Within 24 hours
Inpatient
NICE NG2342 sections · 7 criteria