CT scan test for Coronavirus

As of last week, the World Health Organization has rated coronavirus as a global pandemic. COVID virus has swept to over 114 countries with more than 4,000 people killed. The United States public health sector is currently is seriously underprepared. It lacks enough test kits that could help diagnose this illness and prevent future spread.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

At-risk patients might develop symptoms 2-14 days after exposure:

• respiratory illnesses symptoms,
• fever & high temperature
• cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties

In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

How can I prevent coronavirus spread?

The best strategy to limit the spread of the pandemic is to apply the social distancing method. You should limit your exposure to large crowds to prevent community spread. Preferably stay at home and limit close contact with other people.

Prevention steps

• Stay home except to get medical care - You should cancel your participation from any large gathering and if possible seek to work from home
• Cover your coughs and sneezes - The illness can be serious for senior people, so if you get infected, you want to limit exposure of others
• Wear a face mask - Especially if you go outside to do your shopping
• Clean your hands often - You should wash your hands at least for 20 seconds and frequently apply hands sanitizer
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day - The virus can live on surfaces for up to 2-3 days, so you should make sure you clean your mobile phone and keyboard frequently
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor or seeking health care so they can prepare for your visit

How can I get tested for coronavirus?

The current recommended method by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is to do one of these lab tests:

• Molecular tests, which look for evidence of active infection
• Serology tests, which look for the previous infection by detecting antibodies to MERS-CoV.

What is the availability of tests for coronavirus?

As of now, the testing capacity is severely limited and patients already report waiting up to 4 hours to get tested for the COVID virus. But fortunately, there is an alternative to these tests:

CT scans offer a viable and accessible alternative for coronavirus tests

Based on the research conducted in Wuhan, China, the CT scan might be the alternative that can offer coronavirus testing and help diagnose this illness at this point in time. The research from the above quotes only about 3.9% misdiagnosis. Also, there are already 6,000+ plus CT scans available in the US across outpatient centers, so this makes tests for COVID more accessible.

Where can I find a facility to test for coronavirus with a CT scan?

You can use our AffordableScan imaging centers search to look for an outpatient imaging center or a hospital, that offers a CT scan in your area. Contact them to check if they have the right protocol to serve patients at risk of the COVID virus. Immediately, you should your primary physician for a referral for a CT scan for this imaging procedure.

I have difficulty finding an imaging center that does coronavirus CT scan testing

We are putting together a list of centers that have set-up the right medical protocol to conduct these tests and have also vouched to accept any coronavirus at-risk patients. If you have difficulty finding one of those, please contact us at get.affordablescan.com.

I am an Imaging center or a doctor, how can I best help?

• Doctors - if you are struggling to find imaging centers that will do a CT scan for an at-risk patient, feel free to fax the referral at +1 213 996-0419 and we will help the patient schedule the scan with one of our partner facilities
• Imaging centers - Please let us know if you have set-up the right medical protocol and if you are open to accepting at-risk coronavirus patients at clinics@affordablescan.com, and we will add you to the list of Coronavirus testing facilities