Three Main Reasons for Recommending PCR

A chest CT or X-ray cannot accurately distinguish between the Corona virus and other respiratory infections such as seasonal flu. Unlike PCR tests that lead to specific diagnoses of Corona virus, imaging findings are not specific enough to confirm Corona virus. They can only point to signs of infection. These symptoms can be due to other causes, including the seasonal flu, which is very common at certain times of the year. A significant percentage of patients with Corona have a normal chest CT or X-ray. For these patients, a normal imaging result can falsely convince them that they are healthy. If they believe they are healthy, they are at greater risk of spreading the virus to others. Since the Corona virus is highly contagious, the use of imaging equipment in these patients is a serious risk for health facilities and other patients. CT scanners are machines consisting of large and complex parts that must be thoroughly disinfected between each possible Corona patient. But even with thorough cleaning, there is a risk that the virus will remain on a surface in the CT scanner room. Also, moving these patients between wards and the CT scan department increases the risk of spreading the virus within healthcare facilities, which means fewer CT scanners for other vulnerable patients who need this imaging test will be available.

Keywords:

Chest CT , X-ray , corona , Risk of Spreading , patients