Concierge thoracic imaging · London
CT lung assessment, low-dose CT for lung nodule detection, cancer screening and interstitial disease.
A low-dose CT of the chest is the modern first-line imaging test for lung nodule detection, lung cancer screening in high-risk smokers (per NHS Targeted Lung Health Check) and characterisation of interstitial lung disease.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant thoracic radiologist — who reads your CT decides the answer.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Findings can frequently be discussed the same day, with the written report to follow.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Key facts
The six things worth knowing before your CT.
A quick reference on dose, eligibility, follow-up and how CT sits alongside plain film and PET-CT.
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Definition
A low-dose CT of the chest — the modern first-line imaging test for the lungs.
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Radiation ~1–1.5 mSv
On modern scanners, radiation is a fraction of a standard chest CT — comparable to months of background exposure.
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NHS Targeted Lung Health Check
Offered to smokers and ex-smokers aged 55–74 as part of the national lung cancer screening programme.
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Fleischner / BTS nodule follow-up
Nodule surveillance intervals follow the Fleischner Society and British Thoracic Society guidelines.
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AI-based nodule detection
AI-assisted reads at specialist centres increase small-nodule sensitivity above unassisted radiology.
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Complements chest X-ray and PET-CT
Sits between plain film (for gross disease) and PET-CT (for metabolic characterisation and staging).
Indicative pricing
What a private CT lung assessment costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard low-dose CT chest in our network: £350–£550, with findings often the same day.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-dose CT chest (nodule detection) | £350–£550 | 15 min | Same-day |
| Targeted Lung Health Check equivalent scan | £400–£650 | 20 min | Same-day |
| CT chest with contrast (staging) | £500–£850 | 25 min | Same-day |
| CT chest + AI-assisted nodule read | £550–£900 | 25 min | Same-day |
| CT pulmonary angiogram (PE protocol) | £550–£950 | 25 min | Same-day |
| High-resolution CT for interstitial disease | £500–£900 | 25 min | Same-day |
Prices vary by clinic, whether contrast is used, and whether AI-assisted nodule detection or an HRCT protocol is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A CT lung study is only as good as who reports it.
A modern scanner produces hundreds of thin slices — the reporting consultant thoracic radiologist decides what a nodule means, how urgently it needs work-up, and what to do next.
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Nodule seen on X-ray?
We arrange a low-dose CT chest and route the report into Fleischner-guided surveillance.
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Heavy smoker aged 55–74?
We arrange a Targeted Lung Health Check equivalent CT and follow-up in the private pathway.
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Breathless with a suspected ILD?
We arrange an HRCT protocol and route findings to a consultant respiratory physician.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~15 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Radiology, AI read, MDT
- 01
Before
Consultation and referral
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, smoking history, previous imaging, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
No preparation required
Eat, drink and take medication as normal. No fasting. No cannula unless contrast is planned.
- 03
On the day
Non-contrast CT (contrast for staging)
A low-dose non-contrast protocol for nodule detection; intravenous contrast added only if staging or vascular assessment is needed.
- 04
On the day
The scan takes seconds
A single breath-hold through a modern multi-detector scanner — the acquisition itself is over in under 10 seconds.
- 05
After
AI-based nodule detection
At specialist centres, AI software flags small nodules alongside the reporting radiologist to increase sensitivity.
- 06
After
Radiologist reporting
A consultant thoracic radiologist reviews the study, correlates with prior imaging and issues a written report.
- 07
After
Multi-disciplinary team review
Any indeterminate or suspicious nodule is discussed at the thoracic MDT before the plan is finalised.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
When a CT lung assessment is the right test.
Low-dose CT answers a specific question — is there a nodule or a pattern of interstitial disease, and what should happen next. These are the presentations we see most.
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Solitary pulmonary nodule
Characterises size, density, margins and growth of a single nodule seen on X-ray or prior imaging.
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Multiple pulmonary nodules
Distribution and morphology guide differential — from infection to metastatic disease.
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Lung cancer (mass, spiculation, PET-avid)
Detects a spiculated mass and defines size, lobar location and mediastinal involvement.
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Interstitial lung disease pattern (UIP, NSIP)
Recognises the reticular, honeycomb and ground-glass patterns that classify ILD.
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Pulmonary fibrosis
Grades fibrotic change, traction bronchiectasis and disease distribution over time.
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Emphysema quantification
Regional emphysema burden, useful for smokers and COPD assessment.
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Pulmonary embolism (with contrast)
CT pulmonary angiogram — the definitive test for suspected PE.
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Red flag: spiculated mass or > 8 mm nodule — urgent 2-week-wait pathway
Any spiculated mass or growing nodule above 8 mm triggers the urgent suspected-cancer pathway.
Next steps
What happens after a CT lung assessment.
A CT is a decision-making tool. The eight pathways below are what any finding might route into.
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Reassurance if no nodule
A clean low-dose CT with no nodule is powerful reassurance — the plan is simply routine follow-up.
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Fleischner-guided nodule surveillance
Small, low-risk nodules enter a defined interval CT surveillance programme per Fleischner criteria.
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PET-CT for characterisation
Larger or indeterminate nodules go to PET-CT to assess metabolic activity and stage disease.
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CT-guided biopsy
A percutaneous CT-guided biopsy provides tissue when imaging alone cannot decide.
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Bronchoscopy / EBUS for suspicious masses
Central lesions and mediastinal nodes are sampled endoscopically with EBUS-TBNA.
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Thoracic surgery referral
Resectable disease is routed to a consultant thoracic surgeon for VATS or lobectomy.
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Chemotherapy / immunotherapy pathway
Advanced or non-resectable disease enters oncology-led systemic therapy pathways.
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Multi-disciplinary team review
Every suspicious study is discussed at the thoracic MDT before a treatment plan is set.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant thoracic radiologists reporting every study
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Modern low-dose CT protocols (~1–1.5 mSv) on current-generation scanners
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AI-assisted nodule detection available at specialist centres
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Onward Fleischner / BTS-guided surveillance and MDT pathways
Red flags
The findings that change the plan.
Any of the following moves you out of routine surveillance and into an urgent pathway.
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Spiculated pulmonary mass
A spiculated mass is the classic imaging signature of lung cancer — urgent 2-week-wait referral is the standard of care.
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Nodule > 8 mm with growth
A pulmonary nodule above 8 mm that has grown on serial imaging requires urgent characterisation.
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Cavitating lesion
A cavitating lung lesion may reflect malignancy, infection (TB, abscess) or vasculitis — all warrant urgent work-up.
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Pleural effusion + mass
A pleural effusion coexisting with a lung mass raises concern for malignant pleural involvement.
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Bulky mediastinal lymphadenopathy
Bulky mediastinal or hilar nodes need urgent tissue diagnosis via EBUS or biopsy.
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Superior vena cava obstruction
Facial swelling, plethora and distended neck veins with a mediastinal mass is an emergency.
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Bone metastases on CT
Lytic or sclerotic bone lesions on CT change staging and route the case to oncology.
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Suspicious adrenal mass
An adrenal lesion identified on chest CT may represent metastatic spread and needs dedicated imaging.
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Interstitial pneumonia with respiratory failure
Acute interstitial pneumonia with hypoxia is a hospital-level admission, not a private-clinic slot.
Reading your report
A CT lung report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and risk factors
Your details, the reason for the scan, and the risk factors — smoking history, occupational exposure, prior cancer — that shape interpretation.
- 02 Technique
Protocol and radiation dose
Which CT protocol was used (low-dose, contrast-enhanced, HRCT), reconstruction thickness and the estimated dose in mSv.
- 03 Findings
Nodules, parenchyma, mediastinum, pleura
A structured description: nodule count and size, lung parenchymal pattern, mediastinal nodes, pleura and bones.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, benign nodule with surveillance interval, indeterminate nodule for PET-CT, or suspicious mass for urgent referral.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CT lung assessment.
Quick answers on dose, eligibility, nodule follow-up and how CT compares with chest X-ray.
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What does a low-dose CT of the chest show?
It shows the lung parenchyma, nodules, airways, mediastinum, pleura and upper abdomen in detail. It is the modern first-line test for pulmonary nodule detection, lung cancer screening in high-risk smokers, and characterisation of interstitial lung disease.
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How much radiation does a low-dose CT use?
A low-dose chest CT on a modern scanner delivers roughly 1–1.5 mSv — a fraction of a standard-dose CT and comparable to several months of natural background radiation.
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Am I eligible for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check?
The programme is offered to people aged 55–74 who are current or former smokers and are registered with a participating GP practice. Eligibility and rollout areas are expanding across the NHS.
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What happens if a nodule is found?
Small, low-risk nodules enter Fleischner-guided interval surveillance. Larger or indeterminate nodules are characterised with PET-CT, and any spiculated mass or > 8 mm growing nodule triggers the urgent 2-week-wait suspected-cancer pathway.
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Is a low-dose CT better than a chest X-ray?
For nodule detection and early lung cancer, yes — CT is dramatically more sensitive than plain film. Chest X-ray remains useful for gross pathology and acute illness, but is not a screening test.
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When should I see a GP urgently instead?
Coughing up blood, sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain with syncope, or unexplained weight loss with cough are urgent presentations — call your GP the same day or attend A&E.
Sources and further reading
Guidance this page draws on.
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British Thoracic Society. Guidelines for the investigation and management of pulmonary nodules.
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NHS. Targeted Lung Health Check programme.
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Fleischner Society. Guidelines for management of incidental pulmonary nodules detected on CT images.
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NICE. Lung cancer: diagnosis and management (NG122).
Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · Next review 2027-07-30 · Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, · Reading time ~6 min.
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In practice, in London
The London pathway for CT lung assessment
With CT lung assessment, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Waiting lists on the NHS for CT lung assessment vary widely by borough and by how the GP letter reads. Privately in London, we can normally offer a slot inside the same week, sometimes within 48 hours if there’s a cancellation. The difference isn’t clinical quality — the consultants are frequently the same faces you’d see on the NHS — it’s the calendar.
A typical private booking for CT lung assessment in London starts with a consultant conversation — sometimes in person on Harley Street or Marylebone, sometimes on video if that suits better. Any imaging or diagnostics happen at a nearby CQC-registered facility, and reports usually land within 24 to 72 hours. The whole loop, from first call to written report, is often done inside a fortnight. For CT lung assessment specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Honesty about expectations is part of the job. A private CT lung assessment appointment in London won’t change the underlying medicine — the guidelines, the consultants, and the equipment are largely the same as on the NHS. What it changes is speed, continuity, and the amount of time you get to actually talk through the findings. Everyone we route to is GMC-registered and works within CQC-regulated facilities.