Low-Dose Thorax CT

Radiation-minimised CT scan of the chest and lungs for early detection of lung nodules, emphysema, and incidental cardiovascular findings. No contrast agent required. Results reviewed by a specialist radiologist at MEDIZINICUM Radiologie Stephansplatz.

Low-dose thorax CT at MEDIZINICUM Hamburg uses modern multislice CT technology with dose-optimised acquisition protocols specifically designed for lung screening. Because the lung is inherently a high-contrast structure — air-filled against denser tissue — diagnostic image quality can be maintained at a fraction of the radiation dose required for other body regions. A contemporary low-dose chest CT delivers effective radiation exposure in the range of 0.2 to 1.5 mSv, comparable to a few months of natural background radiation and substantially below the 5–8 mSv typical of older full-dose chest CT protocols. The primary indication is early detection of lung nodules, which may represent early-stage lung cancer. At nodule sizes below 6 mm, detection is the critical first step; the subsequent management pathway — surveillance interval, biopsy, or reassurance — is determined by nodule morphology, size, and the patient's clinical profile. Alongside nodule detection, the scan assesses the entire lung parenchyma for emphysema, fibrosis, consolidation, and pleural changes, as well as structures visible in the scan field including the heart, aorta, mediastinum, bones, and upper abdomen. No contrast agent is administered, so there is no need for pre-procedural kidney function testing and no risk of contrast-related reactions. Preparation is minimal: normal eating and fluid intake are maintained on the day. The scan itself takes under one minute of breath-hold, with total appointment time approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The radiologist's report is typically available the same day or within 24 hours. MEDIZINICUM Radiologie Stephansplatz operates Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday from 08:00 to 15:00. The location is accessed directly from Stephansplatz underground station (U1/U2) in central Hamburg. Appointments can be booked via the International Department for international patients or by calling the radiology branch directly.