Introduction
As COVID-19 turned into a global health emergency, perhaps the most vital diagnostic tool employed to track the infection’s effect on the lungs was the HRCT scan for COVID. While RT-PCR tests identify the virus, an HRCT scan provides an intimate glimpse within the lungs to determine the severity of the infection.
For most patients, particularly those with respiratory distress or extended symptoms, this test is a very important factor in treatment choice. You can book your HRCT scan appointment online for faster diagnosis.
In this blog, we’ll explore why this scan is done, how the procedure works, and what the results can tell doctors and patients about lung health.
What is an HRCT Scan?
HRCT is short for High-Resolution Computed Tomography. HRCT is an imaging test that employs X-rays to create detailed pictures of the lungs. Unlike a standard CT scan, HRCT offers a clearer, more detailed image of the lung tissue, which is easier for physicians to detect even minor changes brought on by infections or other causes.
During the pandemic, HRCT chest scan for covid became an essential tool to evaluate lung damage caused by the virus. It helped doctors quickly determine how much of the lungs were affected and plan the next steps for care.
Why HRCT is Used in COVID-19
The main purpose of this scan is to detect pneumonia or inflammation in the lungs. COVID-19 often causes patchy areas called ground-glass opacities, which can be identified clearly on HRCT images.
For those with severe cough, low oxygen levels, or recurring fever, the scan assists in identifying:
- Identify the extent of lung involvement
- Determine whether hospitalization is required
- Track improvement or worsening over time
- Differentiate COVID-related lung problems from other respiratory illnesses
Doctors may also recommend it for people who continue to experience symptoms even after recovery, as it helps diagnose long COVID complications such as lung fibrosis.
Doctors may also recommend it for people who continue to experience symptoms even after recovery, as it helps diagnose long COVID complications such as lung fibrosis.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Being aware of what to expect can help you feel less anxious if your doctor recommends an HRCT scan.
- Preparation: Generally, no special preparation is required. However, you may be asked to remove jewelry or metal objects before the test.
- During the Scan:
- You’ll be asked to lie flat on a table.
- The table slides into the CT scanner, which resembles a large doughnut.
- You’ll need to stay still while images are taken. In some cases, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds
- Time Taken: The entire scan usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Radiation Exposure: The amount of radiation is minimal and considered safe for most adults.
At Clarity Imaging Centre the procedure is handled by certified radiologists for accuracy.
Understanding the Results
The results are usually reported as a CT severity score or CO-RADS score, which indicate how severe the lung involvement is.
HRCT Severity Score for COVID-19
The HRCT severity score is based on how much of each lung lobe is affected. Each lobe is given a score from 0 to 5, with 0 denotes no involvement and 5 showing maximum damage. The total is calculated out of 25.
- Mild: 1–7
- Moderate: 8–17
- Severe: 18–25
For example, if your report says CT severity score 8/25, it indicates moderate involvement. This helps doctors decide whether to manage the condition at home or in a hospital.
Understanding CO-RADS Scoring
The CO-RADS system is another way radiologists report findings. CO-RADS full form is COVID-19 Reporting and Data System. It ranges from 1 to 6:
- CO-RADS 1: Normal, very low chance of COVID involvement
- CO-RADS 2: Abnormalities unrelated to COVID-19
- CO-RADS 3: Uncertain findings
- CO-RADS 4: High suspicion
- CO-RADS 5: Very high likelihood of COVID-related lung changes
- CO-RADS 6: RT-PCR confirmed case with visible lung changes
A report mentioning CO-RADS 5 suggests that there is a strong possibility of lung damage caused by the virus.
HRCT Score and Its Importance
The HRCT score in covid provides crucial information about how aggressively the virus is affecting the lungs. A higher score often indicates more inflammation and a greater need for advanced medical care such as oxygen support or ICU admission.
For recovered patients, the HRCT normal report score will ideally show little to no abnormalities, indicating healthy lung tissue. The HRCT score normal range for a healthy individual is zero.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Though safe in most adults, exposure to radiation should be avoided if not necessary, particularly among children and expectant women. One should also remember that an HRCT scan must not be a substitute for RT-PCR testing but to be used as an adjunct to provide a better clinical picture.
Cost and Accessibility
The price of an HRCT scan is location and facility-dependent. Most diagnostic centers provide packages that come with the scan and radiologist’s report. For instance, if you are looking for a CT scan in Coimbatore, you will see a number of well-equipped centers that offer effective services at varying costs.
Final Thoughts
An HRCT scan is a useful diagnostic procedure for evaluating the lung health after and during COVID-19 infection. Although it gives detailed information about the lung involvement, it must always be viewed in conjunction with clinical presentation and other investigations. Once patients and families know what the scan shows, they can make smart choices regarding treatment and recovery.
FAQs
1. CT severity score 8/25 is good or bad?
A score of 8/25 is considered moderate. It means there is a noticeable level of lung involvement, and close monitoring is required.
2. What is CO-RADS 6?
CO-RADS 6 indicates a confirmed COVID-19 case where the virus is detected through RT-PCR, and lung damage is visible on the scan.
3. What is CO-RADS 5?
CO-RADS 5 suggests a very high probability of COVID-19-related lung changes, even if the RT-PCR result is pending or inconclusive.
4. What is CT severity score?
It’s a numerical value assigned by radiologists to show how much of the lungs are affected, with a maximum score of 25.
5. How to read a CT scan chest for COVID-19?
Radiologists look for patterns like ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and distribution of lung damage to assess severity and guide treatment.
6. What are the CT findings of COVID-19?
Common findings include patchy areas of haziness, called ground-glass opacities, and sometimes thickened lung tissue due to inflammation.
7. How do you confirm long COVID?
Persistent symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or cough beyond 12 weeks after recovery, along with HRCT findings, help doctors confirm long COVID.
