HRCT<\/strong> stands for High-Resolution Computed Tomography<\/strong>. This imaging procedure uses X-rays to generate high-resolution images of the lungs and the airways. To conduct a chest HRCT<\/strong> mean<\/strong>s using the technique of computer tomography to obtain a series of thin-slice chest images and processing them to create a clear, spatial image of the internal anatomy of the lungs and its associated airways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An HRCT scan<\/strong> of the chest<\/strong> is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of lung diseases. However, not all patients with respiratory illnesses are advised to take an HRCT thorax test.<\/strong> While it allows for the easy diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions of the lungs and airway, doctors would examine a patient\u2019s medical history thoroughly to determine if they indeed require this test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common conditions for being prescribed an HRCT scan<\/strong> of the chest<\/strong> are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
HRCT chest scan for COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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An HRCT chest scan for COVID-19<\/strong> patients is recommended as it gives a clearer idea of the severity and extent of viral infection in the body. This test is recommended for those who are showing typical symptoms, but have a negative RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) or RT-PCR test report.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
An HRCT chest scan<\/strong> in a COVID-19-positive individual with lung involvement shows ground glass-like opacities in the lungs. This is a characteristic when the viral load has reached and infected the lungs. The extent of these lesions also denotes the spread and severity of infection. An HRCT chest scan <\/strong>is also recommended for COVID-19 patients who experience symptoms like chest congestion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
To interpret an HRCT test result, CORAD (COVID-19 Reporting and Data System) scores and CT scores are measured. In the CORAD scoring system, numbers 1 to 6 are allotted to patients based on the severity of the disease, where 1 indicates negative for COVID-19, a score of 2\u20134 indicates a suspected case of viral involvement, and 5-6 means a classic case of COVID-19. Patients showing ground glass-like opacities in the lungs are said to be at a high risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19<\/strong>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
No, an HRCT chest scan<\/strong> is affordable, at a cost similar to that of a regular CT chest scan. In most cities, an HRCT test would cost around INR 3,000.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n