A record 1.92 million patients in England are currently waiting for essential diagnostic tests, including MRI and CT scans, according to recent NHS data. This backlog is fueling concerns that delays in receiving early diagnoses for conditions like cancer are endangering patient health, as demand for services continues to outpace the health service’s capacity to deliver them.
Why is the diagnostic waiting list growing?
The rise in the waiting list is driven by an aging population, a growing number of people living with long-term health conditions, and an increased clinical push for earlier disease detection, according to Marlen Suller, managing director for clinical diagnostics at the health technology firm Magentus. Despite the NHS performing a record 2.61 million tests and scans in March alone, the sheer volume of demand means the system remains under intense pressure.
In March, the waiting list included 674,100 patients waiting for an ultrasound, 394,913 for an MRI, and 207,524 for a CT scan, according to Magentus.
How do these delays impact patient outcomes?
Diagnostic tests are the gateway to treatment, and delays can lead to deteriorating health, according to Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association. When a diagnosis is delayed, conditions that might have been caught early can become significantly harder to treat. Data from Magentus indicates that patients in areas with the longest waiting lists are nearly six times more likely to miss the NHS’s 28-day target for a cancer diagnosis compared to those in areas with shorter wait times.
Why is this a paradox for the NHS?
The surge in diagnostic waiting lists stands in contrast to the NHS’s recent success in other areas. According to official NHS England figures, the backlog for planned hospital care was cut to 7.1 million—a reduction of 500,000 patients compared to July 2025. While the health service has successfully reduced the elective care list, the diagnostic sector continues to struggle with capacity, with more than 400,000 people—one in five—waiting longer than the six-week maximum for their tests.
What is the official response to the backlog?
NHS England did not directly address the specific findings regarding the 1.92 million patients waiting for tests. However, a spokesperson stated that the health service delivered 29.9 million diagnostic procedures over the last financial year. The organization pointed to its network of 170 community diagnostic centres as a key strategy to bring tests closer to patients’ homes and expressed a determination to continue lowering waiting times through expanded capacity.
Pro Tips for Patients
- Stay informed: Ask your GP or hospital contact for the latest expected wait times for your specific scan.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms and any changes in your condition while waiting, as this can be vital information for your clinician.
- Follow up: If your health deteriorates significantly while on a waiting list, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your clinical priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum recommended wait for a diagnostic test?
- The NHS target for diagnostic tests is a six-week maximum wait, according to reports analyzing current service delivery.
- Are diagnostic waiting lists increasing across all tests?
- Yes, the overall list includes over 1.9 million people, with significant numbers waiting for ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans specifically.
- How does a diagnostic delay affect cancer treatment?
- Delays can push diagnosis beyond the 28-day target, potentially leading to worse outcomes as the window for early intervention closes, according to the Patients Association.
Have you or a family member been affected by diagnostic delays? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our health newsletter for the latest updates on NHS performance and patient care.
