A CT scan is a relatively safe procedure; however, repeated exposure to radiation via a CT scan or radiation exposure to a particular group of people can be detrimental. Some of the risks associated with a CT scan are as follows:

1. excessive radiation exposure in patients requiring repeated CT scans
2. Pregnant women should not undergo CT scans as the unborn child may get exposed to harmful and teratogenic radiation.
3. There may be an allergic reaction to the contrast.

The cost of a CT scan in Delhi can be between 5000 to 15000 rupees depending on the part of the body needing the scan, the use of contrast, and the lab where the test is available.

Xrays are a cheaper, low-radiation alternative to CT, which is not as accurate and precise as a CT scan but is very useful as a preliminary investigation.MRI scans can be useful to diagnose conditions of the soft tissues with greater precision. A radiologist can use a CT scan and PET scan combination for better sensitivity in the detection of cancerous conditions.

A CT scan may take 30-45 minutes to complete and may sometimes take longer, as in the case of a contrast CT or a complex condition.

CT scan films are available 20 minutes after the scan, and one can collect CT scan reports 24 hours after the scan. In case of emergencies, the radiologist can generate the report earlier on an urgent basis.

The procedure for a CT scan includes the following:

1. The patient changed into the hospital gown and asked to lie down on the machine’s sliding bed. If required, a dye injection is given.
2. The bed moves into the machine, and the scan starts, during which time the person has to stay still.
3. Once the scan is over, the bed moves out of the machine, and the patient can leave and change back into regular clothes to wait for the report.

Following are some of the don’t you can follow before a CT scan

• Avoid eating before a CT scan unless the doctor asks you to. Please drink only clear fluids up to 4 hours before the scan.
• Do not wear metals while going in for the scan.

CT scan in Delhi is usually available between 9:00 AM to 10 PM. In hospitals, the emergency staff may do CT scans even during the night hours to cater to medical emergencies.

Medintu is among the trusted partners for lab diagnostic services in Delhi as we maintain utmost transparency with our clients, have the best labs in Delhi providing affordable CT scans, have a user-friendly website, responsive customer care, and a smooth service experience, which makes us the perfect choice for CT scan test appointment booking.

The following are some of the side effects of CT scans:

1. Exposure to radiation and increased risk of cancer in susceptible individuals with multiple CT scan exposures.
2. Allergy to dye or contrast
3. Suffocation or anxiety during the test
4. Headache or nausea due to the contrast.

The radiation exposure during a CT scan depends on the part of the body under examination. The radiation exposure is measured in terms of millisieverts and ranges from 2.0 mSv for a head CT to 10 mSv for whole-body, abdomen, and pelvis scans. For the general public, the advisable radiation exposure is usually less than one mSv a year, which is why even though CT is a very precise investigation, doctors do not advise CT scans liberally.

Preparation for a CT scan is a fairly simple procedure. You can speak to the doctor regarding this. Below are some tips that you may find helpful in your CT scan appointment.

1. wear loose, comfortable clothes
2. remove all kinds of metal ornaments and jewelry.
3. inform the doctor if you have any contrast allergies
4. if you have claustrophobia, letting the doctor can help make the process better suited to you
5. continue taking your regular medications unless stopped by the doctor
6. let the doctor know if you are pregnant so that the doctor can choose alternate methods of diagnosis.