Chest & Lung CT Scans: Info and Get a Scan
A chest CT scan is a painless imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to build detailed cross-sectional pictures of your lungs, heart, blood vessels, ribs and the soft tissues of your chest. It shows far more detail than a standard chest X-ray, which makes it one of the most useful tests for investigating persistent chest symptoms.
If you’ve been struggling with an unexplained cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or even long covid, your doctor might recommend a chest CT scan to assess the underlying causes.
Our expert clinicians review every booking we receive and provide all booked patients with a 1-1 phone consultation. This is so that they can ask about your symptoms, and make sure your CT scan is medically justified and provides the best outcomes for your needs.
What is a CT scan of the chest?
CT scans, also known as CAT scans, are an imaging technique used to generate images of the inside of your body. In the case of the chest, the scan can show the chest cavity, lungs, heart, blood vessels, ribs and parts of the spine.
A CT scanner is round, and looks like a doughnut with a hole in the middle. A flat bed moves in and out of the machine, and you’ll be asked to lie down for the scan.
During the scan, an X-ray beam circles around your body, and detectors on the opposite side of the scanner record how much of the beam has passed through your body. This data varies based on the different tissues of your body, and a computer turns this information into images.
These images are called ‘slices’, and are 2D. Your radiologist can view the images as a series of ‘slices’ to pinpoint the exact location of an abnormality, or a computer can generate a 3D image of your body by assembling the 2D images together.
Why would a doctor order a CT scan of the chest?
You might have been recommended a CT scan of the chest for a number of reasons. These include:
- Double-checking anything abnormal that might have been found in a standard X-ray scan
- Finding out why you might have a continuous cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing
- Locating and assessing abnormalities and growths, such as cysts, tumours or other masses
- Staging lung cancer and seeing if it has spread
- Assess the extent of injury, including broken bones (e.g. ribs), fractures, or trauma
- Checking for a suspected blood clot in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary embolism), usually with a contrast dye
What does a CT scan of the chest, or lung CT scan, show?
CT scans of the chest can generate images of the organs, bones and tissues of the chest, including the lungs, ribcage, blood vessels and even sections of the spine. It can help doctors to check for infections, abnormalities, fractures, lesions, tumours and problems with the blood vessels.
What is a chest and lung CT scan looking for?
Chest CT scans look for a range of lung problems, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, inflammation, lung disease and even some congenital abnormalities (problems that have been present since birth). It is also useful for assessing the rib bones for fractures. The scan can also show damage from long-term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, which helps doctors track how these conditions change over time.
CT scan lung cancer - is it used for diagnosis?
CT scans of the chest are commonly used to diagnose or rule out lung cancer, and are effective in staging cancer and assessing the progress of treatments. Chest CT can also show cancer in other locations, and can check if it has spread elsewhere.
A specialised version of the test, called a low-dose CT scan, is used to screen for lung cancer before symptoms appear. In England, the NHS Lung Cancer Screening programme invites people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke for a lung health check, which may include a low-dose CT scan. Catching lung cancer early makes treatment far more likely to succeed.
Can a chest CT scan detect heart problems?
While a chest CT can capture images of the heart, we offer dedicated cardiac CT scans that are recommended for patients specifically requiring a CT of the heart for the detection of heart problems.
How should you prepare for a chest and lung CT scan?
CT scans don’t use magnets like MRI scans do, but metal items can still affect the quality of CT images. This means that you’ll be asked to remove any piercings, belts, jewellery, watches, glasses, dentures and even hearing aids in some cases.
To find out more about the differences between CT scans and MRI scans, you can read our dedicated guide here.
We also recommend that you wear soft, comfortable clothing, but you might be asked to change into a medical gown for your scan.
If you are pregnant, or think you could be, tell your clinician before your appointment. CT scans are not usually recommended during pregnancy unless it’s an emergency, because there is a small chance the X-rays could harm the baby. Your clinician can talk you through alternatives, such as an ultrasound or MRI. You should also mention if you have diabetes, as some diabetes medications need to be paused around scans that use contrast dye.
We’ll make sure to let you know in advance if you need to do anything specific to prepare for your scan. This can include not eating or drinking for a few hours before your scan, changes to how you take your medication on the day, or filling in forms about your medical history. If you do need a contrast agent for your scan, we’ll inform you ahead of time.
The procedure explained: what to expect
A chest CT scan is used to produce detailed images of the inside of the chest cavity, in particular, the lungs. Doctors use these types of imaging tests for lung cancer screening, to detect blood clots, diagnose interstitial lung disease (that causes scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue) and to discover the cause of persistent symptoms such as a long-standing cough, excess fluid on the lungs, chest pain and shortness of breath. In some cases, they may also be able to spot thyroid problems during a chest CT scan.
CT scans of the chest take around half an hour, but you’ll only be in the scanning machine for a few minutes. Throughout the scan, you’ll be required to lie on your back and remain still while the detailed images are captured. You may also be required to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time.
If your scan finds an area of tissue that needs testing, your medical team may arrange a separate procedure called a CT-guided lung biopsy. This uses the CT scanner to guide a long, thin needle to the right spot so a small sample of cells can be taken and tested for the presence or absence of cancer cells. This is not part of a standard diagnostic chest CT appointment.
How much does a chest CT scan cost?
Our chest CT scan prices start from £359. The price you pay upfront covers a complete package of care, which includes:
- A pre-scan consultation with a dedicated expert clinician, to discuss your symptoms and requirements
- A fast referral to your chosen scanning centre, with no GP visits and no waiting lists
- Your scan, at a convenient location near you
- A radiologist’s report of your results
- Access to your scan images upon request
- A post-scan consultation with your clinician if any next steps are required
Do I need a chest CT scan with contrast?
You might need to have a contrast agent for your chest or lung CT scan. A contrast agent is a type of iodine-based dye, which helps certain areas of your body appear more clearly in the scan. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to drink the contrast agent, or it will be given to you by an IV injection.
After placing your booking for a chest CT scan, you’ll receive a clinician consultation with a member of our expert team. They’ll explain if you need a contrast agent, and will make sure it’s safe for you to have one administered.
If you have kidney problems, or have recently had an adverse reaction to a contrast agent, you should let your clinician know. This is so they can suggest the best course of action for you to get the diagnosis you need.
What does a chest CT scan with contrast show?
A chest CT scan with contrast can show more detail of how lesions or tumours are positioned next to adjacent structures such as blood vessels. They can also provide more detail of the lymph nodes, and the chest wall.
How long does a chest CT scan take?
The scan itself can take from under a minute to a few minutes. However, your appointment may be up to 30 minutes long, to allow time for getting changed, administering the contrast agent (if required), filling in any paperwork on-site, and discussing any questions you might have.
What are the benefits of a chest CT scan?
A chest CT scan shows the chest and lungs in more detail than a chest X-ray and is a quick, pain-free way of diagnosing various medical conditions. Because it can detect very small nodules in the lung, chest CT is especially effective at picking up lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. A CT scanning machine is also less claustrophobic than an MRI scanner.
Are there any risks?
There is a risk of radiation exposure associated with having a CT scan, which could mean that you have a very small increased risk of developing certain cancers later in life. However, the benefits of getting a diagnosis outweigh these risks.
To put that in context, a chest CT delivers a radiation dose of around 6 to 7 millisieverts, roughly the same amount you receive from natural background radiation over about two years of everyday life in the UK. A standard chest X-ray, by comparison, delivers a much smaller dose. Your clinician will only recommend a CT where the diagnostic benefit justifies it.
Some CT scans use a contrast dye administered through an intravenous line in your arm, which allows a more detailed view of the blood vessels and soft tissue. Some people experience an allergic reaction to the contrast material used. Symptoms include feeling weak, breathless and sweaty. If you begin to feel unwell, let your radiologist know immediately. Contrast dyes may also cause a metallic taste in your mouth, but this should disappear quickly. Your medical team will let you know if you need a contrast agent during your chest CT scan.
What happens after a chest CT scan?
After your scan, you’ll be able to remove your medical gown, get dressed and carry out your normal activities. If you’ve had a contrast dye, you’ll need to remain in the clinic for half an hour to assess for any potential allergic reaction. Drinking plenty of water for the rest of the day helps your kidneys flush the dye out of your system.
Getting the Results
Your radiologist will review the detailed images taken during your chest CT scan and discuss them with your referring doctor. It may take a few days before they contact you to discuss the results with you.
If you’re having a CT scan of your chest to assess the progress of lung cancer, they may use the results to tweak your treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, meaning they may need to change to a higher or lower dose.
Next steps:
Book a private chest and lung CT scan today, and skip the waiting lists.
Visit our news page to find out more about CT scans and the other types of scan we offer.
FAQs
Can you eat or drink before a chest CT scan?
Usually yes. Most chest CT scans without contrast need no fasting at all. If your scan uses a contrast dye, you may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand. We’ll confirm any preparation when your booking is reviewed, so you’ll know before the day.
Is a chest CT scan painful or claustrophobic?
No, the scan itself is painless. The scanner is an open ring rather than a tunnel, so most people who find MRI machines claustrophobic manage a CT without difficulty. If you have a contrast injection, you may feel a brief warm sensation or notice a metallic taste, both of which pass quickly.
Can I drive home after a chest CT scan?
Yes. A chest CT doesn’t involve sedation, so you can drive, return to work and carry on as normal straight after your appointment.
What is the difference between a chest CT scan and a chest X-ray?
A chest X-ray takes a single flat image from one angle, while a CT scan takes many images from different angles and combines them into detailed cross-sections. A CT can pick up small nodules, clots and early disease that an X-ray may miss, but it uses a higher radiation dose, which is why an X-ray is often the first test and a CT follows if more detail is needed.
Do I need a referral for a private chest CT scan?
You don’t need to see your GP first. When you book with us, our clinical team reviews your booking and provides the referral as part of your consultation, provided the scan is medically appropriate for your symptoms.
Sources used:
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. (2021, August 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ct-scan-of-the-chest
CT scan. (n.d.). Tests and Scans | Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests/ct-scan
Purysko, C. P., Renapurkar, R. D., & Bolen, M. A. (2016). When does chest CT require contrast enhancement? Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 83(6), 423–426. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.83a.15037
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology (ACR). (n.d.). Chest CT. Radiologyinfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/chestct
CT scan. (n.d.). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/ct-scan/
Lung health checks. (n.d.). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/lung-health-checks/
Ionising radiation: dose comparisons. (n.d.). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ionising-radiation-dose-comparisons/ionising-radiation-dose-comparisons
