Features of X-ray technology in COVID-19

A significant factor in the dependability of X-ray findings could be the time elapsing between the appearance of initial symptoms and the imaging procedure

- NAVJOT SINGH

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, caused the infection to humans in Wuhan in the Hubei province of China. The infection caused respiratory distress and is highly contagious with evidence of spreading through the air. The disease spread across continents and infection was reported from almost every country.

Imaging procedures are of great value in the COVID-19 pandemic when the question of assessment of suspected cases and determination of the course of the disease arises. While a multitude of radio diagnostic tools are employed the role of X-ray imaging in COVID-19 infection has distinct importance.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the primary test for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection, through running assay of throat swabs or sputum. However, since the virus’ incubation period can last up to 14 days, in the early stages, there might be a possibility of negative RT-PCR findings in the early stages of the infection. While at the onset of symptoms, computer tomography (CT) can confirm suspected cases and facilitate the prognosis of severe cases. CT has the capacity of capturing changes in the lungs of a COVID-19 patient at a high rate.