CT SCAN OF THORAX / CHEST
Also Known As
SENIOR
FLAT 10% OFF FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
FAMILY
ADD A FAMILY MEMBER FOR 20% DISCOUNT
Certified Labs
NABL Accredited
60 mins collection
Not specified
Reports in
6 hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What is a Chest CT Scan?
A CT scan of the chest or chest CT scan is a diagnostic radiological procedure that uses computerized combination of many x-ray images taken from different angles to obtain transverse cross-sectional pictures. It allows for the detailed examination of the lungs, heart and blood vessels, thus being an imaging study sensitive to small abnormalities like internal nodules, tumours or even pulmonary embolism that cannot be visualized by other techniques, such as ordinary X-rays.
List of Parameters
List of Parameters Considered During a CT Scan
List of Parameters Considered During a CT Scan Some of the patient-related parameters considered during a Chest CT scan include:
- Age Weight Past medical history (lung disease, cancer, allergy)
- Current medical status (e.g. pregnancy, renal status)
- Other factors (e.g. contrast allergy, cigarette use gibi)
- History of smoking Respiratory complaints (cough, dyspnoea)
Why This Test
Why Cardiac CT Scans for Heart Assessment?
Chest Scanners are widely used for CT diagnostics to assess other accompanying clinical features of heart disease and diagnose other diseases of lungs or bronchi, for example:sore throat, tumors, or vascular diseases.
In terms of their ability to examine intricate fracture systems and assess cancerous events, they appear to be exceptionally useful. In addition, a type of chest CT known as CT angiography is very beneficial in the visualization of the vessels in the chest and therefore the management of vascular diseases.
A cardiac CT scan helps medical professionals understand the heart and blood vessels surrounding it with more detail. These scans, cardiac CT as with others have their various indications that include suspicious coronary artery disease, assessment on the patency of the heart valves and assessing whether there are any congenital problems or acquired ones in the heart.
With the assistance of cardiac CT scans, sectional imaging allows physicians to diagnose heart problems in their early stages and work out effective strategies for combating those conditions. They are an effective method of screening and in the evaluation of heart diseases to prevent them from worsening.
Benefits
Benefits of Taking a CT Scan
A touching ct scan provides cross-sectional images of a highly sophisticated resolution of the heart and also the lungs and hence assists in the diagnosis of lung related illnesses, views of infections, vascular occlusions and the effects of trauma and injuries. It is useful in formulating management approaches and overseeing disease mechanisms.
Preparing for test
Preparing for a Chest Thorax CT Scan
Certain guidelines should be followed earlier than undergoing a chest thoracic CT scan to ensure that the ensuing findings are accurate.
If the contrast dye is used, the patients are to be instructed that they may have to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan.
Jewellery and metal objects which can obstruct the imaging process should be removed and comfortable loose clothing is advised.
Do inform your doctor of other drugs that you are consuming and if you are sensitive to contrast materials as well.
These preparatory steps are important because they aid in minimizing risks and enhancing the effectiveness of the CT scan.
Scheduling and Insurance Matters: During the booking process of the chest scan do let the doctor know of your medications, history of allergies and your current health condition. If you are taking sedatives or contrast dyes, please ensure someone is there to take you back safely if you are unable to drive.
What Dry Food Items to Take During the Trip: Makes sure you do wear light fit clothing and avoid clothing with metal substance. If required you can don a medical disposable gown for a crisp sweet image.
Contrast Agent Preparation: If in case contrast dyes are necessary, talk to your doctor regarding this, especially when your kidney is in bad shape. Sometimes doctor wants to carry out pre-scan test, and in such cases, your doctor will tell you steps of preparation to follow.
Shellfish and Iodine Allergic Considerations: If you have allergies to iodine or shellfish inform your physician in advance. They may take precautions or suggest alternative imaging methods which are safe for you.
Food Items and Medications to Consume After Scanning and Taking Dyes: In case you are having olive oil and shellfish, your doctor may advise you off certain food items.
For patients who have diabetes or any illness, there are precautions to be taken concerning medication prior to imaging in order to ensure that no errors are made and that the imaging is safely conducted.
Follow-Up Care: It is usually the case that you may continue with your daily activities, except that, some medicine or contrast material has been administered during the procedure. And your physician will explain the results to you and the procedures to be performed afterward.
How a Chest CT Scan is Conducted
Chest CT scan is quite simple although it is very detailed. The patient is positioned on a mechanical table which slides into the circular opening of the CT imaging system.
The table containing the patient moves during the procedure, and several X-ray images of the chest are taken from various angles. A computer program is used to compile the pictures into a cross-sectional image of the chest.
Patients are sometimes told to remain still and hold their breath for a few seconds to heat the images. Although the entire process can last no longer than 30 minutes, the total time required depends on the range of the scan.
Pamphlets, whether or not the patient does take even the liquid shouldn’t be necessary to understand that the best time to do the scan is definitely in the morning.
The chest CT scan can also be done at a more convenient time in case of a non-urgent condition and depending on the patient's status.
Who Can Avail
People at risk of like people with chronic lung disease like COPD and those with persistent cough and respiratory troubles or lung cancer family history. Anyone suffering from chest injury or heart disease may also be included. Pregnant women, on the other hand, should only undergo CT scans when it's absolutely necessary.
Pre Scan Advice
If you have a history of contrast dye allergies and are pregnant with kidney problems, tell your doctor beforehand. And there are some restrictions that should be followed; for example, starving is required to ensure there are no problems and that the best results are obtained.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Parameter | Normal Result | Abnormal Result | Possible Interpretation of Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lung Tissue | Clear, no masses, no fluid buildup | Masses, nodules, or fluid in the lungs | Lung cancer, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion |
| Heart and Cardiac Vessels | Normal size and structure, clear blood flow | Enlarged heart, blocked or narrowed vessels | Coronary artery disease, heart failure, aneurysm |
| Blood Vessels in Chest | Normal vessel size and no blockages | Blockages, narrowed vessels, or aneurysms | Atherosclerosis, blood clots, aortic aneurysm |
| Chest Wall | Normal structure of ribs, muscles, and tissues | Fractures, abnormal growths, or damage to soft tissues | Chest trauma, rib fractures, tumours |
| Trachea and Airways | Clear, normal size | Blockage, narrowing, or inflammation | Tracheal stenosis, bronchitis, or tumours |
FAQs
How long do you stay in the scanner room during a chest CT scan?
Chest CT scans can typically last between 10 and thirty minutes depending on various factors. Most times it takes approximately a few minutes to do the scan itself.
Preparation work alone can take time, and in special situations where a contrast dye is being utilized, there may be requirements regarding the scan that further extends this time period.
Why would I need a lung CT?
A request from your doctor to take a CT for lung volume may be necessary at times for cases where you experience chest pain, breathing difficulties, and a cough that is highly persistent. CT lung volume images are most often used when checking for tumors or lung illnesses or even monitoring medication for both heart and/or lung diseases. The images provided show intricate details that enable doctors to determine the patient’s problem in a range of lung related conditions.
Does a CT of chest include the scans of the heart muscle?
Yes, a chest CT has the capability to indicate certain heart conditions but this is true only in cardiac CT which is a special case. Coronary artery disease or heart valve issues can be identified by performing a CT scan along with other abnormalities.
These images allow physicians to be more accurate when they need to diagnose and treat various heart disease conditions.
How does it feel to perform a chest CT scan?
For most people, performing a chest CT scan is a painless procedure as the patient is required to lie still on a large table that moves towards the CT scanning machine. If a contrast dye is used, one may experience mild warm feeling, but the actual process is easier and doesn’t take a lot of time. For most patients, it is a very simple process with no pain during the actual scan.
Is there any preparation necessary before doing a chest CT scan?
Yes, when we are to do a chest CT scan with the use of a contrast dye, the patient may be required to forgo a meal for a number of hours. In this case, the patient needs to take out metal objects and clearly inform the doctor if they are allergic to certain medicines or have a history of anything including kidney diseases.