CT Scan Chest: Purpose, Results, COVID-19 & Cost [2024]

CT Scan chest is a non-invasive and painless diagnostic imaging test for the chest and lungs. The word CT stands for computerized tomography. It is also known as CAT.

Chest CT is a more advanced form of X-ray and shows a more accurate, clear, and detailed picture than a normal X-ray.

Test details in Brief

Also Known As	CT Chest, Chest CT, CT Thorax, HRCT Chest, CECT Chest, CECT Thorax
Purpose	Lung infection, COVID severity, TB, pneumonia & tumours.
Preparation	No special preparation required. 4-6 Hours fasting required for CECT Chest
Fasting	No
Machine Used	CT Scanner (Preferably minimum 8 slices)
Reporting Time	8 to 24 Hrs.
Cost	Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000

Purpose of CT Scan chest

A doctor recommends a CT Chest scan to diagnose pneumonia, TB, lung disease. Now it is also used for the detection of Covid-19 & its severity. The purpose of the test is to identify and diagnose the following 

• Any abnormalities in the Chest or Chest wall
• Unexplained Cough
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
• Accident or internal injury to the chest
• Unexplained Fever
• Pain in the chest
• Tumours
• COVID infection severity

Types of chest CT

Usually, following main types of CT Chest are recommended:

NCCT Chest or CT Chest plain

The test is done in simple abnormalities where high resolution is not required. The radiation and resolution used in normal chest CT is low. Here, word plain signifies the non-contrast.

HRCT Chest

High-resolution CT Chest – It is done when finer details are to be seen. It comparatively uses high radiation dose pointed in thin form. Thus providing high-resolution images in the wider form to see finer parts of the chest such as lungs for example, in Covid 19.

CECT Chest

CT chest with contrast – It is done by injecting the contrast intravenously or your doctor may give you something to swallow. The use of contrast media enhances the quality of imaging.

Advantages of CT Chest

• It is affordable in comparison to other invasive procedure, the test is easy and not time-consuming.
• CT scan is easily available.
• It is safe as no radiation remains in the chest after the test is performed.
• Apart from the chest, a CT scan can be used for the spine, head, shoulder, heart, abdomen, knee.
• It creates a 3D cross-sectional image of the body part making it very simple for the doctors to detect any problem in the body part.

Why CT is better than other tests?

Chest CT is better than any other imaging test due to the following reasons –

• Clear and fine picture in comparison to X-ray and MRI test
• Less sensitive to the movement of the body part
• Takes less time compared to an MRI Scan

Limitations of CT chest

• A tall and heavy person is not able to fit in the CT scanner.
• MRI may be a better option when detailed information is required.
• CT Scan uses X-Rays which may be harmful especially for pregnant women and children.

 The procedure of Chest CT

1. A CT machine is a tunnel-like machine where an individual lies down on a stretcher-like sliding bed that goes inside the machine. 
2. The machine rotates around the individual’s Chest/ body part in a spiral motion.
3. The images are recorded at various points and angles of the chest in the form of thin slices of the Chest
4. With the help of these images, a 3-D picture of the chest is created in the computer system which can be printed or sent as a digital file for analysis to the radiologist.

Preparation for CT chest

• Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
• Remove all the metals and jewelry before starting the test.
• If contrast material is used, you will be asked to bring a creatinine report (Blood Test). You are advised not to eat or drink anything at-least a few hours before the test.
• If you are under any medication or are allergic to contrast material, inform your healthcare provider about it.
• Any medical condition or the history of diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, thyroid problems, pregnancy etc. must be informed to the technician.

What is seen in Chest CT?

Any abnormalities such as flow of blood, cancer spread and involvement of lung masses, pleural spaces, heart structure and chambers, ribs and sternum and blood vessels can be seen in colors to see the movement of flow of blood.

CT chest is used by the healthcare providers to diagnose the following problems in the lungs –

• Tumors that are benign and malignant 
• Pneumonia
• Chronic lung disease
• Tuberculosis
• Inflammation or other problems in the lungs and membrane covering the lungs
• Cystic fibrosis
• Certain abnormalities that exist from birth

Risks

Following risks are associated with Chest CT-

• Chance of allergy if dye material used as in case of contrast CT Scan Chest
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Not recommended for children

Image of Normal Chest CT

Given below is how normal chest CT appears like. (Source radiopaedia.org )

CT Scan Chest Cost in India

The cost of this test ranges from 2000 to 6000 INR in India. However, the cost of chest CT depends on the city and the laboratory.

City	Test Price
Delhi	Rs 2000 to Rs 5500
Gurgaon	Rs 3600 to Rs 5500
Mumbai	Rs 2800 to Rs 4000
Hyderabad	Rs 3150 to Rs 5000
Bangalore	Rs 3150 to Rs 4500
Chennai	Rs 2500 to Rs 5000

In recent times, HRCT Chest has been used extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. We have seen patients having many doubts regarding the test. Though, we have tried to address these concerns, share your questions and feedback in the comment section below.