Low-Dose Chest CT

A low-dose computed tomography scan of the chest using a 256-slice CT scanner, providing detailed imaging of lung parenchyma, airways, mediastinum, and chest wall at a fraction of conventional CT radiation dose. Low-dose chest CT is the recommended screening modality for early lung cancer detection in high-risk populations.

The Low-Dose Chest CT at MIND Clinic uses the facility's 256-slice scanner with dose-reduction protocols that lower radiation exposure to approximately 1.5 mSv — roughly 80% less than a standard diagnostic chest CT while maintaining sufficient image quality for nodule detection and lung parenchyma evaluation. This protocol aligns with international lung cancer screening guidelines that recommend annual low-dose CT for high-risk individuals. The 256-slice detector array provides high spatial resolution and rapid acquisition, minimising motion artefact from breathing and cardiac pulsation. The scan evaluates lung parenchyma for nodules, ground-glass opacities, emphysema, and interstitial changes; airways for bronchial wall thickening and bronchiectasis; mediastinal structures including lymph nodes, the thoracic aorta, and oesophagus; and the chest wall including ribs and thoracic spine. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT has been shown in large randomised trials to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20-24% in high-risk populations (current or former heavy smokers aged 50-80). Beyond cancer screening, the scan often detects incidental findings including coronary artery calcification, emphysema severity grading, and thoracic aortic aneurysm — providing cardiovascular and pulmonary risk data from a single sub-minute scan.