AIIMS chief warns against using CT scan in mild COVID-19 cases

NEW DELHI: Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, on Monday, May 5, warned the people against rushing for Computerised Tomography (CT) scan for mild COVID-19 cases. He added that it has a lot of side effects and can do more harm than good.

The AIIMS chief said that one CT scan is equivalent to 300-400 chest X-rays and according to data, repeated CT scans in younger age group increase the risk of cancer in later life. He also advised that CT scans should be done in moderate diseases when hospitalised and in case of doubt, one should opt for a chest x-ray.

Guleria added that the clinical guidelines are clear that people with mild illness do not need too many medicines. He also added that people take steroids in the early phase which increases viral replication and hence the steroids should be taken in moderate stage and as advised by the doctors. Decreasing oxygen saturation, excessive fatigue and chest pain are the indicators that a person in home isolation needs hospitalisation and such people should stay in touch with a doctor, he added.