CT Scan

Computed Tomography (CT scan) is an exam that provides very detailed images of the inside of the body in a fast, painless, and safe way, helping doctors identify and monitor a wide range of conditions with great precision.

At NRD, in Lisbon, CT scans are performed with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring high image quality and maximum safety for all patients.

What is it and what is it for?

A CT scan is a medical imaging exam that uses X-rays combined with computerized processing to generate cross-sectional images of the body. These images allow doctors to view organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues in detail, making CT an essential tool for medical diagnosis.

NRD has a latest-generation Philips 128-slice scanner, which provides sharp images with a low radiation dose, ensuring safety and effectiveness in every exam.

Although the radiation dose is minimal, it is important to inform the team if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.

How much does a CT scan cost?

In most cases, the price of a CT scan is €100 or €120 (private price), depending on the area being examined.

In the specific case of Dental Scan, Angio-CT and Uro-CT, the private prices are €125, €270, and €200, respectively.

However, you may undergo a CT scan through several agreements, including:

• SNS / ARS: When the CT scan is performed through the SNS, the patient does not pay any amount (you must bring the prescription from your Health Center);
• ADSE: If the CT scan is performed through ADSE, the patient only pays a fee of typically €14 – except for Angio-CT (€23.5), Chest CT (€15), Abdominal CT (€15), and Uro-CT (€29).
• IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
• Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers. In this case, the CT scan price varies according to the insurance you use;
• Health Plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans. In this case, the CT scan price varies according to the health plan you use.
• Protocols: NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to take the exam at very competitive prices. For CT scans, this value is generally around €80, except for Angio-CT (€175) and Uro-CT (€140).

How is it performed?

The exam is carried out with the patient lying on a sliding table (bed) that slowly moves into the CT scanner, which is open at both ends. During the exam:

• The technician can communicate with you via intercom;
• It is essential to remain still to ensure image quality;
• The exam takes, on average, between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the area being examined.
• You will not feel any pain during the exam.

In some cases, you may need to follow simple instructions, such as holding your breath for a few seconds.

What does it detect?

A CT scan allows detailed observation of different internal structures of the body, mainly helping with diagnosis, assessment of injuries, and monitoring of treatment for several conditions, namely:

• Tumors and masses: It can identify tumors, their location and extent, and even assess the presence of metastases.
• Fractures and bone injuries: It is used to diagnose fractures, spine problems, and any bony structure in the limbs or body.
• Bleeding and trauma: In the head, it is essential for identifying strokes (CVA), brain edema, and hemorrhages.
• Diseases of internal organs: It detects changes in abdominal and pelvic organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, intestines, ovaries, uterus, prostate, among others.
• Lung conditions: Useful for detecting pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, nodules, and other lung problems.
• Vascular diseases: It analyzes blood vessels, detecting aneurysms, thrombosis, or other issues affecting circulation.
• Infections and inflammations: Identifies infections such as abscesses, inflammation of organs or joints.
• Joint assessment: Studies joints and bones, being less suitable for muscles and tendons, where MRI is more effective.
• Dental changes: May be used to assess the dental arch and oral structures.

In short, CT can detect any anatomical or pathological changes that cause differences in tissue density, providing clear and detailed images to guide medical and surgical decisions.

In which cases is it indicated?

A CT scan may be indicated in many clinical situations. Some of the main indications include:

• Assessment of traumatic injuries (accidents): It allows evaluation of bones, internal organs, bleeding, and injuries to the head, spine, chest, and abdomen after severe trauma.
• Diagnosis of neurological diseases: Indispensable in the investigation of stroke, brain tumors, hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, edema, cranial trauma, sudden headaches, or altered mental status.
• Diagnosis of oncological diseases: Identification, localization, staging, and follow-up of tumors in any body region, including the search for metastases.
• Diagnosis of lung conditions: Detects pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, lung nodules, and tumors.
• Abdominal and pelvic assessment: Investigation of appendicitis, pancreatitis, abscesses, kidney or gallbladder stones, cysts, tumors, intestinal obstructions, and gynecological diseases (cysts, fibroids).
• Identification of bone fractures and joint diseases: Diagnosis of complex fractures, joint erosions, osteomyelitis, and degenerative changes.
• Vascular assessment: Identification of aneurysms, thrombosis, arterial and venous obstructions, with Angio-CT performed to study blood vessels.
• Guidance for procedures: Used to guide biopsies, abscess drainage, surgeries, define radiotherapy plans, or monitor treatments.

Other specific indications

• Monitoring of chronic diseases: Assess response to treatment in cases of cancer and cardiac, pulmonary, or liver diseases.
• Search and evaluation of deep infections: Detects infections in organs, tissues, bones, and joints.
• Excluding serious conditions: Used as an emergency exam to rule out diagnoses requiring rapid intervention.

CT Scan with Contrast

In some cases, a CT scan may be performed with oral or intravenous contrast to improve visualization of certain structures:

• Oral contrast: mainly used in certain CT exams to better visualize/study the digestive tract (Abdominal and Pelvic exams) and/or by medical indication. In these cases, you should arrive at the clinic 1 to 2 hours beforehand for preparation (to be confirmed at booking). A 4-hour fast is required.
• Intravenous contrast: used in certain CT exams to complement the study and/or by medical indication. The injection may cause a brief warm sensation that disappears quickly. A 4-hour fast is required.

It is essential to inform the team if you have known allergies (to medicines, foods, etc.), asthma, allergic rhinitis, or previous reactions to contrast agents. These allergies or other allergic conditions may increase the risk of reactions to contrast.

Preparing for the CT Scan

NRD will provide you with all instructions at the time of booking.

Guidance during the CT Scan

During the exam:

• Remain still to avoid artifacts in the images;
• Avoid swallowing during neck exams;
• Remove jewelry, hairpins, glasses, hearing aids, and dentures for head and neck exams;
• In certain exams (for example, chest, abdominal, or pelvic), follow the breathing instructions given by the NRD healthcare professional.

When and how do you receive the CT scan results?

You will receive your CT scan results within up to 7 days after the exam, by email or on paper at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take the CD with the images with you.

Where to have it done?

CT scans can be performed at NRD, at the following address:

Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, ground floor, 1070 – 060 Lisbon (next to Praça de Espanha)