A chest CT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs, airways, heart and other structures within the chest. It can help assess a range of conditions, including infection, inflammation, fluid collections and other abnormalities.
At MBR Health, our radiographers will explain what to expect from your examination and answer any questions you may have. We’ll guide you through the scan and ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
You’ll lie comfortably on the CT table, which moves through the centre of the scanner. During the scan, you’ll need to remain still, and you may be asked to hold your breath briefly while the images are acquired.
A chest CT is usually a quick examination. The exact time will depend on the type of CT being performed and whether contrast is required. The actual image acquisition takes only a short time, around 5 minutes.
Once your scan is complete, you can generally return to your usual activities. If contrast has been used, our team will provide you with any specific instructions before you leave.
A chest CT can be used to investigate a wide range of conditions affecting the lungs and chest, including:
• Lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis
• Lung nodules and other abnormalities
• Lung cancer and other chest malignancies
• Assessment of the size and characteristics of tumours or other abnormalities
• Injuries involving the chest and chest wall
• Chronic lung conditions such as COPD and emphysema
• Monitoring known conditions and changes over time
• Assessing response to treatment when appropriate
The specific information provided by a chest CT will depend on the clinical question and the examination protocol used.
Before your CT scan, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and removing jewellery or other metal items that may interfere with the images.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let us know before your examination.
If your CT requires intravenous contrast, we’ll provide you with any specific preparation instructions beforehand. Please also let us know about any previous reactions to contrast media, allergies, medical conditions or medications you take.
Follow any preparation instructions provided by our team before your appointment.
A chest CT provides detailed images of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, ribs and other structures within the chest. It can help investigate a range of conditions and abnormalities without the need for an invasive procedure.
CT examinations are designed using protocols appropriate to the clinical question, with radiation exposure considered as part of the examination. Where appropriate, a single chest CT can provide information about multiple structures within the chest.
The scan itself is quick and non-invasive. Most patients do not experience any discomfort, although some people may experience temporary sensations if intravenous contrast is used.
A chest CT can provide detailed images of the lungs, airways, blood vessels and other structures within the chest. It may be used to investigate symptoms such as persistent shortness of breath, chest discomfort or unexplained respiratory symptoms, or to assess known conditions and abnormalities.
At MBR Health, our CT examinations are tailored to the clinical question, with radiation exposure considered as part of the imaging protocol. Your images are reviewed and reported by our specialist radiologist, with the findings provided to your referring doctor to help guide further care.
If you are experiencing new, severe or worsening chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, or other sudden or concerning symptoms, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a routine imaging appointment.