Lung Screening Preparation & Understanding Your Results
Preparing for LDCT lung screening at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. What to expect on the day and how to understand your Lung-RADS results. North Shore specialist.
How to Prepare for Your Low-Dose CT Lung Scan
One of the great advantages of LDCT lung screening is how little preparation is required. It is one of the most accessible imaging appointments available.
Preparation for LDCT lung screening:
– No fasting required: You can eat, drink, and take your regular medications completely normally on the day.
– No injections or contrast dye: LDCT lung screening is performed without any intravenous contrast — no cannula, no needles, and no preparation fluids.
– Comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners in the chest area — you will be asked to remove any jewellery or items with metal near the chest before the scan.
– Bring your GP referral: Your referral confirming eligibility for the NLCSP is required at your appointment.
– Continue quit smoking efforts: If you are trying to quit smoking, LDCT screening appointments are a good opportunity to discuss smoking cessation support with your GP — quitting significantly reduces future lung cancer risk regardless of screening status.
To book your LDCT lung screening at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, call (02) 9129 6999 or book online.
How Long Does a Lung Screening CT Take?
An LDCT lung screening scan is one of the quickest imaging appointments available — most patients are pleasantly surprised by how fast and simple the experience is.
What to expect on the day:
– Your total appointment — including registration, the scan, and check-out — takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
– The actual CT scan takes only a few minutes to perform.
– You lie on a comfortable scanning table that moves through the CT scanner — a ring-shaped machine open at both ends. It is not enclosed and is not claustrophobic.
– You will be asked to hold your breath briefly during the scan — usually for 5 to 10 seconds — to ensure sharp, clear images of the lungs.
– No injections, no contrast, no preparation fluids, and no recovery time.
– You can drive yourself to and from the appointment and return to normal activities immediately.
Results are reviewed by our specialist radiologist using the Lung-RADS classification and a detailed report is sent to your GP within 24 to 48 hours.
Understanding Your Lung-RADS Report: What the Categories Mean
Your LDCT lung screening report uses the Lung-RADS classification — a standardised system that radiologists use to communicate findings clearly and guide follow-up recommendations consistently.
Lung-RADS categories explained:
– Lung-RADS 1 — Negative: No nodules or clearly benign findings. No additional follow-up needed beyond your next routine screening scan.
– Lung-RADS 2 — Benign appearance: Nodules with features consistent with benign causes. Continue with routine annual or two-yearly screening.
– Lung-RADS 3 — Probably benign: A nodule that needs a 6-month follow-up CT to confirm it has not changed. This is a precautionary category — it does not mean the nodule is dangerous.
– Lung-RADS 4A — Suspicious: Requires further assessment — typically a 3-month follow-up CT, PET scan, or specialist review.
– Lung-RADS 4B — Very suspicious: Requires prompt further assessment — specialist respiratory or thoracic referral.
– Lung-RADS 4X — Suspicious with additional concerning features: Requires urgent specialist assessment.
The vast majority of LDCT screening results fall into Lung-RADS 1 or 2 — completely reassuring categories that confirm the lungs are clear and routine screening can continue.
What Happens After Your Lung Screening — Next Steps
After your LDCT lung screening at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, the process is clear and well-supported.
Immediately after the scan:
– You can leave immediately — no recovery time is needed.
– Results are reviewed by our specialist radiologist and a report is sent to your referring GP within 24 to 48 hours.
Based on your Lung-RADS result, your GP will:
– Lung-RADS 1 or 2: Reassure you that no concerning findings were identified and advise on when your next routine screening scan should occur.
– Lung-RADS 3: Recommend a follow-up CT in 6 months to confirm that any nodule found has remained stable.
– Lung-RADS 4: Guide you through the recommended next step — which may be a shorter interval CT, a PET scan, or referral to a respiratory physician or thoracic surgeon for specialist assessment.
At every stage, your GP is your primary point of contact for discussing results and next steps. Our role at Epoch Medical Imaging is to provide the highest quality imaging and the clearest, most clinically useful reporting to support your GP in guiding your care.
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