Is low-dose CT lung screening done with a CT scanner?

The scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine with a table that moves through its opening. You lie on your back while the scanner takes a series of X-ray images around your chest. A computer combines these images into cross-sectional views of the lungs. Low-dose means the scan is performed with less radiation than some standard diagnostic CT examinations, while still producing images for the screening purpose.

You may need to hold your breath briefly when instructed so the images are less blurred. The scan itself is usually quick, and it does not involve a cut or an instrument entering the body. Screening is intended for people who meet the service's eligibility criteria; it is not the same as investigating a new symptom.

Tell the imaging team if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, and mention any difficulty lying flat or holding your breath. Wear comfortable clothing and follow the centre's instructions about metal objects. Ask how and when the report will be shared, and what follow-up happens if the scan shows a nodule or another finding that needs review.

Do not wait for a screening appointment if you develop coughing up blood, severe or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, or a marked change in a long-standing cough. Contact a healthcare professional promptly for assessment. After the scan, seek help for symptoms that are severe or rapidly worsening, even though the scan itself is non-invasive.

Ask why screening is being offered, whether it is appropriate for your personal history, and how often the service recommends repeat imaging. Ask who will explain the result and whether a finding would lead to another scan or a different test.