CT Lung Screening

Low-dose computed tomography of the chest for early detection of lung nodules and other pulmonary pathology. Voxel Warsaw explicitly lists 'TK klatki piersiowej niskodawkowe' (low-dose chest CT) alongside the standard-dose protocol. Recommended for current and former smokers aged 50–74 and for pre-surgical lung assessment. Physician referral required.

Voxel Warsaw's low-dose chest CT (TK klatki piersiowej niskodawkowe) is specifically listed as a distinct examination type at the Koszykowa 78 centre, separate from the standard-dose chest protocol. Low-dose lung CT uses a significantly reduced radiation exposure compared to a diagnostic chest CT — typically in the range of 1–2 mSv compared to 5–7 mSv for a standard chest study — while retaining the spatial resolution needed to identify pulmonary nodules 4 mm and larger. The examination acquires thin-slice volumetric images of the entire lung parenchyma in a single breath-hold lasting approximately 10 seconds. These images are reconstructed at 1 mm slice thickness and reviewed systematically by the radiologist using dedicated lung windows, mediastinal windows, and bone windows. Software-assisted nodule detection tools can flag abnormal densities for manual review. For current or former heavy smokers aged 50–74, low-dose CT is the evidence-based method for reducing lung cancer mortality — the US National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated a 20% relative mortality reduction in high-risk individuals screened annually. European guidelines similarly recommend low-dose CT in this population. Poland's growing awareness of lung cancer screening, combined with the country's historically high smoking prevalence, makes this service particularly relevant at urban diagnostic centres. Beyond cancer screening, low-dose chest CT is used for: assessment of incidental pulmonary nodules found on plain chest X-ray, monitoring of known pulmonary ground-glass opacities, evaluation of interstitial lung disease patterns, and pre-operative lung assessment where minimising radiation is a priority. The examination does not require fasting or intravenous contrast. A physician referral remains legally required under Poland's Atomic Law. Results are provided as a written report with CD images and electronic portal access.