Debunking Myths About CT Scans- Are They Safe? I Life Guard Imaging

CT scans use radiation, but in very small doses—far lower than most people think. Modern technology has evolved to use low-dose protocols, meaning you get clear, detailed images with minimal exposure. For perspective, the average calcium scoring CT delivers a dose similar to what you’d naturally get from the environment in 6 months.

Are there risks with any medical procedure? Of course. But here’s the bigger risk: missing a silent condition like heart disease, lung cancer, or an aneurysm. At Life Guard Imaging, every scan is carefully calibrated and read by board-certified radiologists. Safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s the starting point.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. CT scans excel at detecting conditions that traditional checkups or X-rays can’t. For example, CT scans can show lung nodules as tiny as 2 millimeters. CT scans can even spot calcified plaque building up in your heart arteries before symptoms appear.

CT scans don’t replace your physician’s care—they complement it. A physical exam can listen to your heartbeat. A CT scan can see inside the arteries themselves, so together, they give you the clearest picture possible.

This one often comes from focusing on the short-term. Coming in for a scan might take an hour out of your day. But what’s the alternative? Missing an early diagnosis that could have been treated with lifestyle changes or medication—before it escalates into an emergency.

Consider this: 50% of men and 64% of women who die suddenly of heart disease had no prior symptoms. They felt fine—until they didn’t. A coronary calcium scan could have revealed their risk years earlier, so we call imaging a first line of defense. It’s an investment in prevention, instead of waiting for crisis care.

Life Guard Imaging of Phoenix’s mission is simple: save lives through early detection. Our concierge model means no referrals, no waiting for insurance approval, no barriers. We offer easy access to low-dose, high-resolution CT scans in a comfortable, spa-like setting. Our scans include:

Heart scans give you a coronary calcium score—your personal snapshot of hard plaque buildup and early warning for heart disease.
Lung scans can catch what X-rays often miss, spotting nodules as small as 2mm and identifying signs of emphysema before breathing issues begin.
Full-body scans go deeper, looking across the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to uncover silent abnormalities that could otherwise stay hidden for years.
Virtual colonoscopies offer a less-invasive way to screen for colon cancer—no anesthesia or recovery time.
Bone density scans help predict fracture risk by measuring calcium and mineral strength in your bones, giving you a chance to take action before a break happens.

Each scan is read by a board-certified radiologist, with a full report you can share directly with your physician. It’s not a way to replace your doctor—we provide them (and you) with better information.