Chest Imaging

HRCT Chest is the best diagnostic test for Covid-19 and is more sensitive than RT PCR test. Very thin slices are taken which gives much higher resolution images in High Resolution Lung CT. The test is non-invasive and can be completed in less than a minute. Hundreds of images are produced which are then studied by the radiologists to prepare the report. Any kind of tumour or lesion in the lungs can be best seen on CECT Chest which is Contrast Enhanced Lung CT. In this test non-ionic contrast is inected through an injection or pressure injector to complete the study. Patients suffering from Chronic Lung Disease, Respiratory problems, shortness of breath, smokers etc should get this test done on the advice of their doctor to know the status of lungs. All the patients who have been found Covid positive on RT PCR test and had symptoms should also get HRCT Chest done to gauge the damage to the lungs due to Covid infection. Another good test to see the health of the lungs is Bronchoscopy but it is an invasive test and requires short hospitalization. CT Scan on the other hand is completely non-invasive and requires no hospitalization.

How CT Chest is Done

NCCT Chest or HRCT Chest does not require any preparation and can be done at any time of the day. For CECT Chest you have to report at our centre on empty stomach with overnight fasting. Normally the appointment is given for 9am. On arrival of the patient at the centre, we would first do a blood test to see the kidney functioning. If the kidney function test is normal then contrast can be given to the patient. For patients with abnormal kidney function, non-contrast MRI is preferred over non-contrast CT Scan. Do not wear any jewellery when you come for the testing. You would be given a hospital gown to wear before the test. The patient has to lie down on the CT Table and the technician would place a canula on the arm or back of the hand. During the examination, contrast is injected through a pressure injector which is connected to the canula. The patient can go home within minutes of the completion of the test. Radiologists would need 6-8 hours for studying the images procured during the test to prepare the report. The films or the CD can be taken immediately after the test while the report is emailed to you within 24 hours.

Cost of the Test

CT Scan of the Chest can be done quite well on all CT Scan machines which are atleast 4 Slices. All our centres have 16 Slice or higher CT Scanners on which CT Scan of the chest can be done in less than one minute. The contrast CT of the chest would take around 30 minutes. The cost of NCCT Chest or HRCT Chest is in the range of Rs. 4500 - 5500 while the cost of CECT Chest is Rs. 6000 - 7000. The cost of kidney function test is in the range of Rs. 500 - 750 which is needed before contrast can be given to the patient. A good CT Scan machine of 50 slices would cost in the range of Rs. 1.5 - 2.0 Crores. Another high cost is the cost of tube which ranges between Rs. 35- 50 lacs and lasts for 3-4 years. The contrast given during the exam is also a very costly consumable. In CECT Chest the cost of the contrast administered is in the range of Rs. 1500 - 2000. We have some of the finest radiologists who are highly trained in CT and MRI reporting. Since the patient has to come in overnight fasting for this test, the appointments are normally given for 9 am in the morning. You can call at +91-8800188335 for booking appointment for CT Scan of the Chest in Bhiwadi.

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