CT Scan in India: A Complete Guide

Has your doctor recommended a CT scan and you're wondering what to expect? A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that gives doctors a detailed look inside your body. This comprehensive guide will walk you through its purpose, the step-by-step procedure, the CT scan cost in India, and how to make sense of your results.

A Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) scan is an advanced imaging test that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body. A computer then processes these images to create cross-sectional pictures, or slices, of your bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. This provides much more detailed information than a standard X-ray.

Think of it as looking at a single, detailed slice of a loaf of bread instead of just the outside. These detailed images help doctors diagnose diseases, plan medical treatment, and check how well a treatment is working.

A doctor may recommend a CT scan for a wide variety of reasons. It is a versatile tool used to:

• Diagnose conditions and injuries: Identify muscle and bone disorders like fractures or tumours, and pinpoint the location of tumours, infections, or blood clots.
• Guide medical procedures: Provide real-time imaging to guide procedures such as biopsies, surgeries, and radiation therapy.
• Monitor diseases: Track the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like cancer or heart disease by monitoring the size of tumours or blockages.
• Investigate symptoms: Find the cause of unexplained symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, or shortness of breath.
• Detect internal injuries: Quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from trauma or accidents.

Understanding the CT scan procedure can help you feel more prepared and comfortable. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens.

Before the Test:

Preparation: You may be asked to fast for a few hours before your scan, especially if a contrast material is being used. Contrast Material: In some cases, a special dye called a contrast material is given orally (to drink) or intravenously (via an injection) to help highlight certain areas of your body. Inform the technician if you have any allergies, especially to iodine. Clothing: You will be asked to remove metal objects like jewellery, glasses, and dentures, and you may need to change into a hospital gown.

During the Test:

• The CT scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You will lie on a narrow, motorized table that slides into the centre of this scanner.
• The scanner will rotate around you, taking images. You will hear whirring and buzzing sounds, which is completely normal.
• A technologist will be in a separate room but can see and hear you at all times. They will ask you to stay very still and may ask you to hold your breath for short periods to avoid blurring the images. The scan itself is painless.

After the Test:

• Once the scan is complete, you can usually go back to your normal activities. If you received contrast dye, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush it out of your system.

Unlike a blood test, a CT scan report doesn't have a numerical normal range. Instead, a specialist doctor called a radiologist will analyse your images and write a detailed report describing their findings.

• Normal Results: A normal or unremarkable report means the radiologist did not find any signs of disease, injury, or other abnormalities in the area scanned.
• Abnormal Results: If an abnormality is found, the report will describe its location, size, and characteristics. This could be anything from a fracture or inflammation to a cyst or tumour.

Disclaimer: Your report will be sent to your referring doctor. It is crucial to discuss your results with your doctor, who will interpret the findings in the context of your symptoms and medical history to make an accurate diagnosis.

The CT scan cost in India can vary significantly based on several factors:

• City: Costs are generally higher in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore compared to smaller towns.
• Type of Scan: A scan of a small area like the head is cheaper than a full-body or triple-phase abdominal scan.
• Use of Contrast: A CT scan with contrast is more expensive than a non-contrast scan.
• Diagnostic Centre: Prices differ between private hospitals and standalone diagnostic centres.

Generally, the cost for a basic CT scan test can range from ₹2,000 to ₹15,000 or more. For an accurate price, it's best to check with specific labs.

Receiving your CT scan report is just one step in your healthcare journey. The next step is a consultation with your doctor to discuss the findings.

Based on your results, your doctor may:

• Confirm a diagnosis and start a treatment plan.
• Recommend further testing, like an MRI or a biopsy, for a more definitive diagnosis.
• Refer you to a specialist, such as an oncologist (for cancer) or a neurologist (for brain issues).
• Reassure you that no abnormalities were found.

1. Do I need to fast for a CT Scan?

It depends on the type of scan. For abdominal or pelvic scans, and for most scans using contrast dye, you will likely be asked to fast for 4-6 hours. Always confirm the specific instructions with the diagnostic centre when you book your CT scan.

2. How long does it take to get the results for a CT Scan?

The scan itself usually takes only 10-30 minutes. However, the radiologist needs time to carefully review the images and prepare a report. You can typically expect your results within 24 to 48 hours.

3. Is a CT scan painful?

The scan itself is completely painless. If you need an IV for contrast dye, you might feel a brief prick from the needle and a warm sensation as the dye enters your body, but this is temporary.

4. What are the risks of a CT scan?

CT scans use a small dose of radiation. While the risk from a single scan is very low, your doctor will always weigh the benefits against the risks. The other potential risk is an allergic reaction to the contrast material, which is rare.

5. What is the difference between a CT Scan and an MRI?

A CT scan uses X-rays and is very fast, making it excellent for viewing bones, detecting internal bleeding, and assessing trauma. An MRI uses magnets and radio waves, takes longer, and is better for imaging soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, the brain, and the spinal cord in fine detail.