What is a CT scan of the chest?

ct scan

CT scan test is an imaging test. It uses computer technology and  X-ray to produce detailed images of the organs and structures inside the chest of a patient.  The images produced from CT scans give more detailed information about injuries or diseases of the chest organs than regular X-rays.

In the procedure of a CT scan, an X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body of a patient. During the movement, it takes images of the lungs and inside the chest. The images are called Slices. The computer processes the taken images and displays them on a monitor.

During the CT Scan test, a patient may receive a contrast dye to make parts of the body show up better in the image.

Why Patient need a CT scan of the chest?

In this blog, we will discuss in detail everything you should know about the CT scan of the chest.

The doctor advises for a CT scan of the chest when another type of exam like an X-ray, is not conclusive. It is used to check the chest and structure inside the chest for

  • Blockages
  • Injuries
  • Intrathoracic bleeding
  • Infections in chest
  • Tumours and other lesions
  • Unexplained chest pain

Benefits

  1. It is used to remove a sample of fluid from the chest
  2. It helps keep an eye on tumours and other conditions of the chest before and after treatment.
  3. It is helpful in the examination of abnormalities found on chest x-rays.
  4. It helps in diagnosing the causes of symptoms of chest disease, like cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever.
  5. It is used to detect and evaluate the extent of tumours that arise in the chest, tumours that have spread there from other body parts.
  6. It assesses the response of treatment to tumours.
  7. It helps in the planning of radiation therapy.
  8. It evaluates chest injuries, including the heart, blood vessels, lungs, ribs and spine etc.

Risk Factors

  • There is a slight chance of cancer from excessive radiation exposure.
  • It is not advised to pregnant women unless medically necessary because of the potential risk to the unborn baby.
  • There is always a risk of serious allergic reactions to contrast media.
  • It can worsen the function of kidneys of the patients with reduced kidney function

Time duration for CT Scan test for chest

The duration of the CT Scan test depends on the reason for the scan. But in most cases, It takes 10-30 minutes.

Preparation

Before coming for CT Scan, It’s good to have the information regarding the preparation of the scan. Here is detailed information about the preparation for the CT Scan test.

  1. The patient should arrive 15-20 minutes early because it takes time in case of contrast media
  2. The patient needs to remove metallic objects as they could interfere with the imaging.
  3. A patient must wear comfortable clothing while coming for CT Scan. It becomes easy to remove.
  4. A doctor will guide the patient regarding eating and drinking restrictions.

Conclusion

It’s very true, CT Scan is a crucial diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals to diagnose the issues related to the chest. If you are looking for the best CT Scan Centre in Delhi to get the CT Scan for the chest done for you or your family member, then get in touch with Ganesh Diagnostic. We are one of the highly-rated NABL accredited diagnostic centres that offer quality assured diagnostic services in Delhi NCR. To book your test for CT Scan in Delhi, connect with best diagnostic center to get diagnosed and treated as well. You directly talk to our expert for better suggestions.

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By Admin