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Cost of Chest CT Scan with Contrast in India

Also known as CT Heart, CT Cardiac

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What is a CT Scan Chest Contrast test?

CT stands for Computed Tomography scan. CT scan chest is a process where three-dimensional x-ray images (computed tomography) of the chest, particularly the lungs, are obtained by a tunnel-shaped machine. When a contrast dye is used to compare certain images of the lungs concerning other surrounding tissues, it is known as a CT scan chest contrast test. The contrast dye is injected into the body with an intravenous injection into the arm.

Radiologists use this test to determine conditions affecting the lungs and other surrounding tissues in the chest.

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Why is the CT Scan Chest Contrast test done?

The CT scan chest contrast test is done to diagnose pathological conditions of the lungs and surrounding areas. Primary indications of the test are:

To diagnose lung conditions like lung cancer, lung fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, pleural effusion and many more.
To determine the prognosis of chest disease.
It helps in monitoring the progress of lung disease.
Contrast 3-dimensional images are useful in determining the cause of long-standing symptoms such as breathlessness, thick sputum, cough and fever.
It is a rapid and reliable process with minimal errors.

Who should get the CT Scan Chest Contrast test done?

A medical professional will advise you to undergo a CT scan chest contrast test with a proper prescription. It is used to visualise the lungs in all dimensions, and therefore individuals presenting with symptoms like chronic cough, breathlessness, fever may be advised by a Pulmonologist (lung doctor) to undergo a contrast chest CT scan to search deeper into a diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with Pneumonia, Interstitial lung disease, Lung cancer, Covid-19 may be advised on this test to analyse the prognosis of the disease. One must consider their symptoms carefully and consult a physician or pulmonologist before going ahead with any test.

Disclaimer: It is advised to always consult your doctor for interpreting the test reports.

What precautions should I take?

Please follow the instructions suggested by your doctor.
Inform if one is on any medications or if any ongoing treatment is going on.
Show your old reports, if any.
Inform if one is pregnant / breast-feeding / menstruating.

What does the CT Scan Chest Contrast test measure?

The contrast material used in a CT scan contrast test usually contains Iodine that helps block X-rays and then is recognized on the scans as white substances. Soft tissues such as blood vessels or organs like lungs, intestines can be easily visualised. Diseases associated with such structures can be identified by dye uptake called signal intensity. The chest contains the lungs, heart and surrounding tissues, and therefore a CT scan of the chest in contrast mode can diagnose diseases affecting the blood supply of these organs and cause of symptoms experienced by the patient.

What are all tests included in the CT Scan Chest Contrast test?

A Computed Tomography (CT) prepares images of the structure, in this case, the chest organs, understudy obtained by the X-rays passed through the machine. These images can be combined with the help of software to obtain three-dimensional images of the lungs. The contrast dye helps analyse and study deeper structures situated within an organ. Therefore a chest CT scan contains two tests: one with a contrast dye and one without.

CT Scan Chest Contrast test preparation

When a CT scan chest contrast test has been ordered, you will have to generally fast for approximately 4-6 hours before the test.
You must inform the ordering physician and radiologist about any pre-existing diseases you may have and a pregnant state.
You will be instructed to wear a hospital gown in the designated centre. The contrast dye is generally injected intravenously through an arm vein for some time before the test.
On entering the machine area, you will be guided to lay down on the table with your head facing up. You will be alone with the machine during the test procedure. The technicians and the radiologist are usually in the computer area and maintain communication with the patient through audio devices in the machine area.
In the case of small children or adults who cannot stay still or have issues with understanding, a sedative(general anaesthesia )is provided to help with the testing procedure.

CT Scan Chest Contrast test Procedure

One has to stay completely still without any movement during the scanning process, which usually takes anywhere between 20-60 minutes depending on the organs being scanned.
The patient is slid a specific distance to be placed under the semicircular shaped machine that moves in rotations to visualise the body in all directions.
The machine makes a beeping or a whirring sound during the scanning. One must not get anxious with the sound and stay calm to facilitate the scanning.
You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan to minimise movement of the lungs. Movement may cause blurring of images.
Images are obtained on a screen in the radiologist’s room, where the images are further analysed, and a final report is prepared.
The IV injection is removed, and a dressing is applied to cover the tiny hole due to the prick.

What to expect after the CT Scan Chest Contrast test is done?

Once the entire scanning is done, you will be instructed to have a lot of fluids for a few hours. The fluids will help clear out the contrast dye injected into the body. Some individuals may experience the abnormal colour of urine or have a weird taste in the mouth for some time. This is temporary and usually subsides once the dye is cleared from the body. You will be guided out of the scanning area and dressed in your usual clothes. In case of any additional discomfort after the test procedure, one must immediately inform the physician and/or radiologist.

When will I get the CT Scan Chest Contrast test report?

The Radiologist prepares the CT scan chest contrast test report. The images are analysed and combined to produce an entire three-dimensional image of the lungs and surrounding tissues. The test report may take a few minutes to hours to be prepared. You will be informed once the results are ready.

Disclaimer: The time may vary based on your condition and the availability of the radiologist.

How will I get the CT Scan Chest Contrast test report?

The CT scan chest contrast test report contains big black coloured films of the images prepared by Computed Tomography. The films are labelled as per the patient records. The films are also reported for findings in a separate report signed by the in-charge Radiologist. The films and reports are sent to patients and/or care-takers by email and are also handed over hard copies of the same in person.

How to interpret the CT Scan Chest Contrast test report?

The radiologist provides the findings of the CT scan in a document format. Normal and abnormal findings are mentioned about the entire chest and any specific part of the chest studied. The report should be interpreted by a certified medical professional, particularly a physician or a pulmonologist. One must refrain from interpreting and self-managing based on the findings in the report. The findings help the pulmonologist in treating your disease and symptoms effectively.

Is there any risk involved?

The biggest risk of a contrast chest CT scan is exposure to radiation in the machine room and during the procedure. Some individuals might not tolerate the radiation and may experience some discomfort. Individuals with existing kidney disease may have worsened kidney-related symptoms due to the contrast dye. Pregnancy may be a risk factor for the test due to the harmful effects of radiation on the developing foetus. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye material containing Iodine. The radiology department is usually well equipped to deal with such emergencies. Children are sometimes sensitive to radiation exposure, and it is recommended only when necessary.

What equipment or instruments are used for CT Scan Chest Contrast tests?

The CT scan chest contrast test equipment consists of a large doughnut-shaped CT scanner with a small tunnel in the centre. When you lie down under this tunnel on a table, an x-ray tube and electronic x-ray detectors rotate around you to view the organs in all directions. They are placed opposite to each other in a ring called a gantry. A control room or radiologist room is around the scanning area that contains a scanning computer and film printer. Communication between the patient and the radiologist or the x-ray technician is through an audio device.

How long does the CT Scan Chest Contrast test take?

The test procedure of scanning takes about an hour to complete. While injecting the contrast dye takes a few minutes to hours to be taken up by the body, which may vary from individual to individual. Depending on the Radiologist, the interpretation and reporting of findings may take a few hours.

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How do I book the CT Scan Chest Contrast test through MFine?

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Frequently asked questions on CT Scan Chest Contrast test

Is the CT Scan Chest Contrast test painful?

The CT scanning process is painless, non-invasive and accurate. But when a contrast dye is used, it involves a small pinprick, usually not painful.

What is the cost of a CT Scan Chest Contrast test?

The average cost of a CT scan chest contrast varies between ₹2000/- to ₹5000/- depending on where and in which city the test is conducted in India.

CT Scan Chest Contrast test vs an MRI. Which is better?

Your physician or pulmonologist may choose a CT scan chest over an MRI as it is faster and can be easily done in case of emergencies. The time taken for a CT scan chest contrast is considerably less, and the patient experiences less or no discomfort during the test process.

What does an abnormal CT Scan Chest Contrast test mean?

An abnormal result usually indicates the presence of a pathology or disease. One must consult a physician or a pulmonologist for further treatment.

What do I do when uncomfortable during the CT Scan Chest procedure?

The technician and the radiologist, along with an emergency response team, is usually present in a control room situated near the scanning room and can see and hear you at all times. If you experience any discomfort, inform the personnel immediately.

What does a normal CT Scan Chest Contrast test mean?

A normal test result means that you probably do not have any pathology or disease related to the chest or lungs. Your doctor may order other related tests to further investigate the cause of your symptoms.

Where do I get a CT chest contrast test done?

A reliable, rapid and cost-effective means of getting a CT scan chest contrast test is through the MFine app. Get your test done anywhere in India.

Do I require a prescription for a CT scan chest contrast test to be done?

Yes. A CT scan chest contrast test requires a prescription from a medical professional such as a physician or a pulmonologist.

Is fasting required for a CT Scan Chest Contrast test?

Fasting for a minimum of 4-6 hours is required before the test as a contrast dye is used. Food and water intake may interfere with the test results.

What are preparations required for children for a CT scan chest contrast test?

Children may not be able to keep still during the scanning process and therefore may be given a sedative before the test.

Can a CT Scan Chest Contrast test detect Covid 19?

The CT scan of the chest can visualise the lungs and therefore can detect the presence of COVID-19 infection.

How many CT scans have to be done?

The number of CT scans of the chest to be done is decided by the ordering medical professional based on your disease and symptoms. The test may usually be repeated after a course of medicines or after surgery to assess the prognosis.

Does medical insurance cover a CT scan chest contrast test?

Medical insurance coverage for a CT scan chest contrast test may entirely depend on your insurance provider. One must connect with the insurance department to resolve all such queries.

Do I need to take any medicine before a CT scan chest contrast test?

A contrast dye is injected or made to be swallowed before the CT scan. You will be instructed further by your radiologist.

Which doctor do I need to consult for my breathlessness and cough?

If you have symptoms of breathlessness or cough, a general physician or a chest specialist that is a pulmonologist may help you relieve your symptoms.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.