Computed tomography (CT) scanning is important prior to acute stroke treatm
ent. We wished to identify factors associated with being able to obtain a C
T scan quickly, from a recent large stroke treatment trial. A questionnaire
survey on the organisation of CT scanning services for stroke was sent to
179 UK and Italian hospitals who had randomised patients into the Internati
onal Stroke Trial and performed at least one pre-randomisation CT scan. Dat
a from the questionnaire were analysed in conjunction with other patient da
ta. Italian doctors expected the CT scans to be done more quickly than UK d
octors, their hospitals were more likely to have a CT scanner operating all
the time, and a porter was used less frequently to take the patient to the
CT scanner. A few simple changes in the nay CT scanning is organised for s
troke patients in the UK could speed access to CT considerably.