England has recorded its highest number of patients awaiting NHS diagnostic tests, raising concerns that delays for CT and MRI scans may harm health outcomes. In total, 1.92 million individuals await tests including ultrasound, hearing assessments, bone scans and cancer screenings. Demand exceeds capacity, with one in five patients, over 400,000 people, waiting beyond the six-week target, according to an analysis of diagnostic services. This backlog has increased despite reductions in planned hospital care waits to 7.1 million, down 500,000 from July 2025. A report from health technology company Magentus shows the diagnostic list grew by 500,000 since 2022 and stands 83 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Current trends suggest it could reach 2 million by March 2027. Regions with longer lists show higher rates of missed cancer diagnoses within 28 days and delays in heart treatment access. The Patients Association expressed strong concern, noting health can worsen during waits. Chief executive Rachel Power stated a diagnostic test starts treatment and delays risk turning manageable conditions into severe ones. Median waits have risen over 50 percent since before the pandemic. Magentus director Marlen Suller attributed the rise to an ageing population, more chronic conditions and efforts for earlier detection. The March total included 674,100 ultrasound, 394,913 MRI and 207,524 CT waits. Despite record monthly tests at 2.61 million, the list continues growing. Radiology professor Erika Denton noted staff frustration amid rising demand. Suller called for better use of capacity, faster testing, clearer patient information and incentives for improvement. NHS England highlighted record annual procedures at 29.9 million and expansion of community diagnostic centres to reduce waits.
