CT Chest
High-resolution CT of the chest for nodule evaluation, infection, pulmonary embolism work-up, and cancer staging.
Find CT Chest near you
What a ct chest shows
- Pulmonary nodules and masses
- Pneumonia, abscess, and other infectious disease
- Pulmonary embolism (with CT angiography protocol)
- Pleural effusion and pneumothorax
- Interstitial lung disease
- Mediastinal masses and lymphadenopathy
- Aortic dissection and aneurysm (with CTA)
Why your physician orders it
- Abnormal chest X-ray requiring further evaluation
- Suspected pulmonary embolism (PECT)
- Cancer staging or follow-up
- Persistent cough, hemoptysis, or unexplained dyspnea
- Chest trauma
Contrast notes
CT may be acquired with or without iodinated IV contrast depending on the indication. Trauma, vascular, and oncologic work-up typically use contrast; renal function and contrast-allergy history are screened first. The standard sinus or non-contrast head exam is performed without IV contrast.
Prep summary
Most patients don't need special prep beyond completing the MRI/CT safety screening and removing metal jewelry. Specific prep (fasting, contrast, medication timing) is confirmed at scheduling.
Read the full CT Scan prep guideWhat to expect during the exam
Plan for 20–30 minutes door-to-door, with the scan itself usually under 5 minutes. You'll lie on the CT table, which moves slowly through the donut-shaped gantry while the X-ray tube rotates around you.
If IV contrast is used, the technologist places an IV and you'll feel a brief warm flush as the contrast is injected. Holding your breath for 5–10 seconds during scanning sharpens chest and abdominal images.
Results and report turnaround
Every study is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist — most by fellowship-trained sub-specialists in the relevant body system. Preliminary reads are typically available within a few hours, with the signed final report sent to your ordering provider the same business day.
You can also request a copy of the report and the imaging on disk for your own records or for a second opinion.
Cost and insurance
Most major California insurance plans cover medically necessary CT chest when authorized. Our team verifies your benefits before scheduling and tells you up front what — if anything — you'll owe.
We also accept cash pay, workers' compensation, and personal-injury liens. Self-pay rates are published below so there are no surprises at the front desk.
Why patients choose Precise Imaging for CT Chest
Low-Dose Protocols
Reduced radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic image quality.
Same-Day Urgent Slots
Held capacity for urgent referrals across the network.
Sub-Specialty Reads
Board-certified body, chest, and neuro radiologists.
Every Financial Type
Insurance, cash, workers' comp, and personal injury liens accepted.
Find a ct chest location
Our network covers California from San Diego to Sacramento. Use the finder above to see CT Scan locations near you, or browse the full directory.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need contrast?
Many chest CTs use IV iodinated contrast for vascular, infectious, or oncologic indications. Non-contrast chest CT is also common when contrast is not needed.
How long does the exam take?
The scan itself is under 30 seconds. Plan for 20–30 minutes door-to-door if contrast is used.
Do I need to hold my breath?
Yes — a short breath-hold (5–10 seconds) during scanning sharpens chest images. The technologist coaches you.
Is chest CT safe?
Yes. Modern dose-reduction protocols keep exposure low. We tailor each protocol to the smallest dose that answers the clinical question.
How soon will I get results?
Preliminary findings are typically available within an hour; the signed final report is delivered the same day.
How much does CT chest cost?
Insured patients pay their plan's cost-share. We also offer transparent, discounted self-pay rates — call 800-558-2223 for a quote.