Low-Dose CT Lung Screening

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Get a Low-Dose CT Lung Screening at American Health Imaging

A low-dose CT lung screening uses X-rays to create detailed images of your lungs, helping your doctor detect lung cancer. These scans can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages when it’s most treatable. Your doctor will only recommend a low-dose CT lung screening if you’re at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

How It Works

CT lung screenings work like any other CT scan. You’ll lie on a table that slides into the CT machine. The machine will then rotate around you, taking X-ray images at various angles. Your doctor can view those images individually, or use a computer to turn them into one 3-dimensional view of your body. Because a CT scan takes many images at once, it offers more detail than a single X-ray image alone.

Find an American Health Imaging center offering Low-Dose CT Lung Screening appointments near you!

Reasons for Low-Dose CT Lung Screening

Your doctor may have ordered a low-dose CT lung screening if you’re at a high risk of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer can be deadly, but thanks to powerful tools like CT lung screenings, your doctor can catch lung cancer early.

The current guidelines for low-dose CT lung screenings recommend them for people who:

Are 50–77 years old
Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year means smoking one pack per day for one year; one pack includes 20 cigarettes)
Are current smokers or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years

Patient Reviews

At American Health Imaging we provide a welcoming and comforting experience with helpful and friendly staff. See what our patients say.

I lost sleep since finding out I needed an MRI. I am extremely claustrophobic and anxious, just thinking about this appointment gave me massive anxiety. When I arrived to the office it was super clean, the staff was great but NAOMI… She was so patient. Absolutely sweet and cared that I was going through so much. She made me feel so secure. She played the music I wanted and talked me through every little session and also let me know how much time for each one. Thank you so much Naomi. I’ll never forget my experience and because of her, I don’t feel so afraid.

Lynda A.

Excellent experience with the MRI Technologist, the staff and the OPEN MRI machine. For those of us who struggle with claustrophobia we can understand how much it means to be able to get the medical care we need because of the availability of open MRI machines. We also understand the humiliation and frustration of not being able to use a closed MRI. American Health and the excellent team made this possible for me. Thank you so much!!

Leela D.

This place by far was my best imaging experience. I was in and out 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment. The front desk staff were very friendly and efficient, and my technician was super sweet and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend this place for your imaging needs.

Corina W.

This was such an awesome and relaxing visit. Front desk was so nice and polite when I arrived. Christie my ultrasound tech was super helpful and nice explaining everything to me. You can tell she really cared, and I appreciate that. It’s hard to fine genuine care these days in healthcare, so when I experience it I make sure to give a shout out and say Thank you!

Marie B.

Best facility I have ever been to have an MRI or X-Ray done. They got me in when I was in need of a quick appointment in order for a consultation with the orthopedic surgeon to help with the pain and issues in my lower back and both feet and legs. Definitely the place to go for an MRI.

Raymond L.

Talk about professionalism, I must say, American Health Imaging and its personnel it’s top notch! Even when things out of anyone’s control happen, they know how to help and support their patients. On our visit earlier this month, they made sure we were informed of the situation and next steps. And did it all with a smile and positive attitude. We need to appreciate more what they do and THANK them for it. With this said, Thank you!

Cesar G.

Why Choose American Health Imaging

At American Health Imaging, we’re here to support you on your health journey. Our team of technologists uses state-of-the-art technology to give you clear images and partner board-certified, subspecialized radiologists provide quality readings, ensuring you have the best information possible to make your healthcare decisions.

We know you are busy. That’s why we provide convenient same-day and next-day appointments, as well as extended weekday and weekend hours at many locations to make sure you get the imaging you need, when you need it.

Low-Dose CT Lung Screening Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a low-dose CT lung screening?

Preparation for low-dose CT lung screening is usually minimal, but AHI will give you specific instructions before your exam.

What happens during a low-dose CT lung screening?

CT scans are quick and relatively easy. When you arrive for your exam, make sure you’re wearing loose-fitting clothing. You can’t wear any metal during the exam, so we encourage you to leave anything metal, like jewelry, at home.

During the exam, you’ll lie down on a cushioned table. The table will slide into the CT machine, which is a big, doughnut-shaped cylinder. The machine will rotate around your body to capture the X-ray images. A technologist will keep an eye on you through a window on the other side of the room and you’ll be able to communicate with them at any time if you need to.

What are the risks of a low-dose CT lung screening?

Low-dose CT lung screenings are generally safe. You’ll be exposed to very small amounts of radiation as the machine takes X-ray images, but in many cases, the benefits of this scan outweigh the risks. Your doctor will review your medical history to determine if a low-dose CT lung screening is safe for you.

How long does a low-dose CT lung screening take?

Including preparation time, your CT scan will likely take between 15 and 30 minutes.

How quickly will I get my results?

The radiologist will review and interpret your low-dose CT lung screening as soon as it’s completed.* Your doctor will receive a written report and copies of the images within 24 hours to a few days.

Do you need to schedule a Low-Dose CT Lung Screening?

American Health Imaging offers same-day and next-day appointment options to make getting an imaging scan convenient. Get a referral from your doctor, find the American Health Imaging center closest to you, and then call to schedule an imaging appointment.