Imaging & Diagnostics
CT Scan
Low-dose and contrast CT with fast turnaround
CT is the workhorse of Chinese diagnostic imaging and is available at essentially every tertiary hospital, usually with short waits. For international patients the two most common requests are low-dose chest CT for lung screening or nodule follow-up, and contrast-enhanced abdominal or pelvic CT for staging or surgical planning.
Low-dose protocols matter: a screening chest CT should be a genuinely low-dose study, not a standard diagnostic scan. We ask the department to state the protocol and the estimated dose in the report, so you can compare it with what you would have received at home.
What is included
- One CT study of the requested region
- Contrast agent where clinically indicated
- English radiology report stating the protocol used
- Image files on disc or secure cloud link
Who this suits
- Lung nodule follow-up
- Pre-operative abdominal or thoracic assessment
- Patients who need a scan quickly and are paying out of pocket
Time required
15–30 minutes
Recovery
None. Drink extra water after contrast studies.
Trip planning
Usually completed in a single visit; add one night if you want the written report before departure.
Questions
Practical answers.
Something not covered? Email [email protected] and a coordinator will reply directly.
How much radiation is involved?
A low-dose chest CT is roughly comparable to a few chest X-rays. We ask the hospital to quote the protocol and estimated dose in writing, so you have a number rather than a reassurance.
Can CT replace MRI?
Not generally. CT is better for bone, lung and acute abdominal problems; MRI is better for soft tissue, nerves and joints. If you are unsure which you need, tell us your symptoms and we will ask the radiologist before you book.
Is contrast required?
Only where the clinical question requires it. Many screening and follow-up studies are done without contrast. Kidney function is checked before iodinated contrast.
Imaging & Diagnostics
Other treatments in this department
Get started
Ask for a plan on this treatment
Send your email and a short note about your case. We reply with hospital options, an indicative cost range for your situation and a realistic timeline — in English, within 48–72 hours.
Prefer email? Write to [email protected]
China Med Buddy is an independent coordination service. We are not a hospital, clinic or medical provider, and nothing on this site is medical advice. All prices shown are indicative public ranges, not quotes. Final suitability, treatment and cost are determined by the treating hospital after reviewing your records.