HRCT for COVID-19
What is an HRCT scan?
A High-Resolution Computed Tomography, commonly known as HRCT Chest or HRCT Thorax, is a CT scan using narrow beams of X-RAY to produce a high-resolution image of the lungs, revealing the lung anatomy and the airflow through it, which is a powerful visual assessment tool for diagnosing underlying health conditions as well as any infections in the lung.
Why is it done?
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To assess lung function and risk of development of diffuse lung disease
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To detect any presence of abnormal growth in the lungs
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To detect obstructions to airflow through the lungs
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To identify an optimal location for performing a lung biopsy, if needed
How is HRCT useful in the treatment of COVID-19?
An HRCT Chest (HRCT Thorax) may be recommended to patients at risk of viral infection in the lungs due to COVID-19. As RT-PCR tests may sometimes deliver false negatives, a doctor may recommend getting an HRCT test in case a patient is showing early symptoms of the infection like chest congestion or breathlessness, helping in confirmation of infection.
It is also used for detection in patients with underlying health conditions such as respiratory infections.
Additionally, because the COVID-19 virus is known to damage lung function, an HRCT test also allows in obtaining a more accurate representation of the spread and severity of the viral infection, thus enabling a physician to determine the right course of treatment.
Please note: Owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in the state, reports may be slightly delayed, as our staff and doctors are working round the clock to deliver our patients with accurate and reliable reports.
Patient Information
Before the procedure
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No special preparation is required before the HRCT procedure.
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A patient may be advised by the doctor to avoid eating or drinking a few hours before the test
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Before going into the scan room, the patient is required to remove any jewellery or accessories from the chest area which may obstruct imaging.
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Since a CT scan uses X-RAY, pregnant women should inform the doctor and CT technician prior to getting the scan as the radiations may affect the foetus. Accordingly, lower radiation exposure may be chosen in such scenarios.
During the procedure
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Tests are performed by well-trained technicians.
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The patient is asked to lie flat on the machine table with both hands above their head
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The table then slides in a round imaging structure of the CT Scan machine.
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The patient will be asked to lay still and briefly hold their breath.
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Our highly advanced 32-slice CT scan system allows the actual imaging to be done in a matter of seconds.
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However, the total time including pre-preparation and release time may take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
After the procedure
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The patient can eat and drink normally.
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The reports are usually ready to be collected within 24 hours from the time of the scan.
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The patient can collect a hard copy of their report from the centre once the report is ready, or may request to receive the report through WhatsApp by sending a ‘Hi’ on 7992248736.
General Information
Prohibited Items
The patient should ensure that they are not carrying any of the following items with them for the scan.
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Mobile phones, wallets with ATM cards, keys
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Jewellery
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Any metallic objects (including zippers, buttons, hair clips, locket, coins, etc)
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Metal-embroidered clothes, polyester clothes
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Failure to comply with these instructions may result in serious injury and burns to the patient as well as bad image quality.
Pregnant Patients
Pregnant patients should inform their physician and technician prior to the scan.
Reporting Time & Delivery
Reports are typically ready within 24 hours from the time of the scan. The patient can inquire about the status of the report by calling 9988822212.
Once ready, the patient may collect the reports from the centre between 9 AM and 7 PM all days of the week.