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How long is the NHS wait for a scan or test? Diagnostics like an MRI, CT, ultrasound or endoscopy are reported separately from surgery, and the wait varies a lot between hospitals. Pick a test to compare the NHS trusts, and any independent providers, that report it, ranked shortest first — from NHS England's own figures.
Compiled by Dr Mustafa Ghafouri (MBChB, MSc) · NHS England DM01 data, September 2026
For a planned, non-urgent scan or test, you can ask your GP whether you can have it at a hospital with a shorter wait — including one further afield. If your GP refers you to a consultant-led service, the NHS Right to Choose gives you a legal right, with exceptions, to choose the provider. Most people are never told this.
All waits are from NHS England's monthly Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity (DM01) statistics, for September 2026. Each figure is a hospital or provider's median wait for that test. Nothing here is medical advice — it surfaces the published data so you and your GP can use it.