Recently, it has been shown that performing CT scans of the chest is as effective in diagnosing infection with the new coronavirus variant, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), as the RT-PCR molecular test that is normally used to identify and quantify the presence of the virus.
The study indicating the conduct of CT scans indicates that from this test it is possible to obtain more quickly evidence that it is COVID-19 and for this it was necessary to study a population composed of people undergoing CT and RT-PCR for research into SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Computed tomography is an imaging test that is implemented in the diagnostic routine for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 because this virus is responsible for several lung changes.
- Which have been shown to be common to most carriers of this virus.
Compared to RT-PCR, CT scans are accurate and provide faster information and should therefore be included in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests. Some of the characteristics of COVID-19 observed in CT scans are organized multifocal pneumonia, architectural distortion of peripheral lung distribution, and the presence of opacity in “frosted glass”.
Therefore, depending on the result of CT, diagnosis can be concluded more quickly and treatment and isolation of the person may also occur more quickly. However, although the results of CT scans are very sensitive, the result needs to be confirmed by molecular tests and linked to the person’s medical history.
Clinical-epidemiological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection is currently being made by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the person, as well as assessing risk factors. In other words, if the person has come into contact with a person with a confirmed coronavirus infection or has been in a place where there are several cases of the disease and has fever and/or respiratory symptoms approximately 14 days after contact, this may be considered a case of coronavirus infection by clinical-epidemiological factors.
Diagnosis is also made by laboratory tests, mainly RT-PCR from blood collection and respiratory secretions, in which the virus is identified, as well as the amount circulating in the body, which is important for the necessary care. has been established.
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