1 CT Scan Equivalent To 300 Chest X-Rays: AIIMS Chief Dr Randeep Guleria Advises Patients With Mild Covid-19 Against It

AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria has cautioned patients with mild Covid-19 symptoms against going for a CT scan as he said that it could end up doing more harm than good in the longer run.

Dr Guleria added that several patients are going for the scan as soon as their Covid-19 test result turns out to be positive.

However, he said that one CT scan is equal to 300-400 chest X-rays and carrying it out repeatedly in younger age-groups could increase the risk of contracting cancer later on in life.

“One CT scan is equivalent to 300 to 400 chest x-rays. According to data, repeated CT scans in younger age groups increase the risk of cancer in later life. Exposing yourself to radiation again and again may cause damage. So, there is no point in doing CT scan in mild Covid-19 if the oxygen saturation is normal,” the seasoned doctor was quoted in a report by the Times of India.

Dr Guleria even revealed that there are studies that show that CT scans in mild or asymptomatic Covid-19 cases tend to display patches that go away on their own without the need of any sort of treatment.

He hence advised for the scan to be opted for in moderate cases when the patient is hospitalised. Instead, the 62-year-old suggested going for chest x-rays in case of any doubt.