Low-dose lung CT (LDCT) screening is a medical imaging technique that uses a low dose of radiation to create detailed images of your lungs. It is primarily used to detect lung cancer early in high-risk individuals before symptoms appear.
Low-dose CT lung screenings are recommended for:
• Between the ages of 50 – 80 years old.
• Current smokers or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years.
• Have a history of smoking 20 pack-years or more (one pack – year means smoking one pack per day for one year; one pack includes 20 cigarettes).
• Individuals with environmental risk factors such as exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos.
Our team of experts at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific guidelines to follow regarding your appointment. Here are the important guidelines to follow:
• Please arrive fifteen minutes prior to your appointment.
• Wear comfortable and loose clothing that doesn’t contain any metal including jewelry, belts, or buttons.
• Avoid eating or drinking in the hours prior to your CT scan. Based on the specific details for your exam, our staff at South Jersey Radiology will provide specific time periods to restrict eating or drinking.
• If you have any specific medical conditions or medications you take, please inform your physician or the staff at South Jersey Radiology.
The frequency of screening depends on your risk factors and previous results:
• High-risk individuals: Annual screening is generally recommended for those aged 50-80 with a significant smoking history.
• Follow-up recommendations: If your initial screening shows abnormalities, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings or additional tests.
• Individualized plans: Your healthcare provider will determine the best screening interval based on your specific risk factors and health history.
Once your lung screening is complete, one of our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists will analyze the results and develop a detailed report for your physician. Your physician will receive the report within 48 hours and follow up with you to go over the results.
After 5 – 7 days, your reports and images will be available to you via our easy-to-access patient portal.
South Jersey Radiology is in-network with 99% of health insurance providers. If you are unsure about our network status with your health insurance provider, please contact your provider directly. In some cases, insurance companies may attempt to tell you which radiology centers are preferred. As the patient, you have the right to choose if you would like your study performed as South Jersey Radiology.