ProtocolPulse

Version History

Imaging Protocols for CT and MRI

v2.1March 2026CURRENT

Removed print functionality. Print page, print buttons, print stylesheet, and print-related keyboard shortcuts removed. Print disclaimer removed from document notices.

v2.0March 2026

Major expansion. Both CT and MRI now covered across all body regions. All three clinical settings included (ED, Inpatient, Outpatient). New regions: Cardiac, Hepatobiliary, Renal/Urinary, Vascular, Breast. New cross-cutting sections: Paediatric, Pregnancy, Gadolinium Safety. IR(ME)R 2024 amendment incorporated. Governing guidelines expanded from 16 to 65+ references. Protocol count: 12 (v1.0) to 29 (v2.0).

New protocols (16)

  • NEWCT Head — Head Injury (children <16)
  • NEWMRI Brain — Outpatient
  • NEWMRI Cervical Spine [ED/INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT]
  • NEWMRI Lumbar Spine — Low Back Pain [OUTPATIENT]
  • NEWMRI Lumbar Spine — Cauda Equina Syndrome [ED/INPATIENT]
  • NEWCT/MRI Whole Spine — MSCC [INPATIENT]
  • NEWCT/MRI Neck
  • NEWCT Coronary Angiography
  • NEWCMR — Cardiac MRI
  • NEWMRI Pelvis & Abdomen
  • NEWCT/MRI Hepatobiliary & Pancreas
  • NEWCT KUB — Renal Calculus
  • NEWCT Urogram — Haematuria
  • NEWCT MSK
  • NEWCT Breast Staging
  • NEWMRI Breast

Updated from v1.0 (13)

  • UPD
    CT Head — Head Injury (adults ≥16)

    Anticoagulant-without-LOC criterion changed from mandatory to 'consider' per NG232 Rec 1.5.13. NAI indication added.

  • UPD
    CT Head — Stroke Thrombolysis

    ROSIER scoring tool added. ABCD2 deprecation noted. Tenecteplase confirmed as recommended agent.

  • UPD
    CT Head — Stroke: Non-Thrombolysis / Thrombectomy

    CG68 correction added. Thrombectomy 24-hour advanced imaging pathway confirmed.

  • UPD
    CT Head — Other Acute Indications

    CVST section added. Meningitis LP guidance clarified. NG228 SAH LP criteria confirmed.

  • UPD
    CT Cervical Spine [ED]

    Canadian C-Spine Rule confirmed (not NEXUS). Expanded high-risk factor list. Paediatric note added.

  • UPD
    CT/MRI Orbits & Sinuses

    MRI orbits and sinuses added. Expanded to cover outpatient indications.

  • UPD
    CT Thorax

    Lung cancer pathway (NG122), HRCT ILD, and lung screening sections added.

  • UPD
    CTPA — Pulmonary Embolism

    Age-adjusted D-dimer added. PERC rule noted. Pregnancy pathway detailed. V/Q comparison added.

  • UPD
    CT Aorta — Acute Aortic Syndrome

    ADD-RS scoring tool added. RCR/RCEM 2024/2025 guidance confirmed.

  • UPD
    CT Abdomen and Pelvis

    Expanded to include sepsis, post-op, oncological staging. IVU superseded note. Pregnancy guidance added.

  • UPD
    CT Vascular

    Expanded to include AAA pathway, carotid, PAD, mesenteric ischaemia. NG186 correction added.

  • UPD
    MRI MSK

    Expanded to comprehensive MRI MSK: scaphoid, hip, knee, sarcoma, osteomyelitis, AVN.

  • UPD
    CT Trauma Series (Head to mid-thigh)

    Modality and settings fields added. Paediatric note added.

v1.0March 2026

Initial publication of 12 CT ED imaging protocols, revised against current UK national guidelines. CT only, ED setting only.