{"id":1854,"date":"2024-07-31T14:35:29","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T13:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/exames\/chest-ct"},"modified":"2026-01-30T14:14:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:14:06","slug":"ct-chest","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/exams\/ct-tomography\/ct-chest","title":{"rendered":"Chest CT"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT is a key imaging exam used to study the lungs, heart, thoracic blood vessels and mediastinal structures. It is a fast, safe and highly accurate diagnostic technique, widely used in the investigation of respiratory, cardiovascular and oncological diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a Chest CT and what is it for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT is an imaging exam that uses ionising radiation to obtain detailed images of the lungs, mediastinum (where the heart, great vessels and lymph nodes are located), chest wall and other thoracic structures. It is more sensitive and detailed than a conventional X-ray.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2407\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-torax-nrd.jpg\" alt=\"chest \/ lung CT NRD\" width=\"1384\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-torax-nrd.jpg 1384w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-torax-nrd-300x98.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-torax-nrd-1024x333.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-torax-nrd-768x250.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1384px) 100vw, 1384px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does a Chest CT cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of a Chest CT when performed on a <\/span><b>private basis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><b>\u20ac120.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you can have a Chest CT through several <\/span><b>agreements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SNS \/ ARS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: When the Chest CT is performed through the SNS,<\/span><b> the patient does not pay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> any amount (you must bring the Health Centre prescription);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ADSE<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If the Chest CT is performed through ADSE, the patient only pays a fee of <\/span><b>\u20ac<\/b><strong>17<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance companies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros, other insurers. In this case, the price of the Chest CT varies depending on the insurance you use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health Plans: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans. In this case, the price of the Chest CT varies depending on the health plan you use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protocols<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to undergo the exam at very competitive prices. For Chest CT, the protocol price is <\/span><b>\u20ac80<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is it performed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT is performed with the patient lying on a table that slides into the CT scanner. During the exam, the technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds to improve image quality. Depending on the clinical suspicion, iodinated contrast may be administered intravenously. The exam lasts on average 10 to 15 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1680 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac.jpg\" alt=\"chest CT\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/tac-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it detect?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT is an exam that can detect several pulmonary and cardiovascular changes, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary nodules and tumours;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumonias and other respiratory infections;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pleural effusion and pleural disease;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulmonary thromboembolism and changes in pulmonary circulation;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aneurysms or dissections of the thoracic aorta;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mediastinal changes, including enlarged lymph nodes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In which cases is it indicated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT is usually requested by the doctor in situations such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investigation of persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assessment of pulmonary nodules detected on X-ray;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evaluation of infectious diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis of chronic lung diseases such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspected pulmonary embolism or aortic disease;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosis and staging of lung or mediastinal tumours;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surgical planning in thoracic or cardiovascular surgery;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring the response to oncological or infectious treatments;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT with Contrast<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT can be performed with or without contrast, depending on the clinical indication. The contrast used is usually iodinated and administered intravenously to highlight blood vessels and inflamed or tumoural tissues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection of the contrast may cause a brief warm sensation or metallic taste, which quickly disappear. In these cases, fasting for 4 hours is usually required (you will be informed at the time of booking).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is essential to inform the team about any known allergies (to medicines, foods, etc.), asthma, allergic rhinitis or previous reactions to contrast agents, as these situations may increase the risk of adverse reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for a Chest CT<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Topic<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Guidance<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam prescription (paper copy)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should bring the exam prescription in paper format.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the exam is performed with contrast, you must fast for 4 hours. When the exam is performed without contrast, fasting is not required.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arriving early<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, you only need to arrive 15 minutes before the exam, except when oral contrast will be used. In that case, you should arrive 1 to 2 hours before the exam (you will be informed at the time of booking).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous exams<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should bring any relevant previous exams.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous medical history<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind your previous medical history regarding allergies, cardio-respiratory and kidney diseases, and usual medication.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If necessary or if you wish, you may drink water.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NRD will provide you with all necessary instructions at the time of booking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Instructions during the exam<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remain still to avoid artefacts on the images;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In certain exams (for example thoracic, abdominal or pelvic), you should follow the breathing instructions given by the NRD healthcare professional.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>When and how do you receive the results?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will receive the CT scan results within up to 7 days after the exam, by email or in paper form at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take the CD with the images with you. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Where to have it done?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest CT can be performed at NRD, at the following address: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, ground floor, 1070 &#8211; 060 Lisbon (next to Pra\u00e7a de Espanha)<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":1904,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-1854","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/1904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nrd.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}