No need of CT scan in mild Covid cases: AIIMS chief

May 3: In order to ascertain the presence of coronavirus in the body, Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or RT-PCR Test is done. However, in cases of fully symptomatic cases, CT Scan is also done to understand the effectiveness of the virus and mainly to see whether the lungs are infected by Covid pneumonia or not. However, many people prefer to go for the CT scan even in asymptomatic or mild symptomatic cases.

The Chief of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr Randeep Guleria expressed the view that CT scan is being misused by Covid-19 patients. He stated, “There is no advantage in getting a CT scan if you have mild symptoms.” Dr Guleria further explained the side effects of doing CT scan.

AIIMS chief said, “One CT scan is equal to 300 to 400 chest X-rays. Repeated CT scans in younger age group can increase cancer risk in later life.

Dr Randeep Guleria on Monday further warned people against taking steroids in an early stage or the first five days of COVID-19. He said this can be harmful, could further replicate the virus and even cause severe viral pneumonia. “Steroids are for moderate illness only, and patients with mild illness under home isolation do not require the same,” he added.