The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic is affecting people throughout the globe. Primarily attacking the respiratory system, this highly infectious virus can lead to permanent lung damage – and it can also cause harm to other areas of your body.
Because of the potential ramifications, if you’ve been sick with COVID-19, your physician will likely want you to go to a diagnostic imaging center for testing based on your symptoms. Let’s talk about some of the types of scans that may be recommended for you if you’ve had COVID-19, how diagnostic scans can help your doctor monitor your health, and where you can go to find a trustworthy and convenient diagnostic imaging center here in The Bronx.
If I’ve Had COVID-19, Do I Need Diagnostic Imaging?
The answer depends on:
- The severity of your symptoms during the active phase of your illness,
- Any pre-existing conditions you may have (e.g., diabetes or asthma), and
- How quickly your COVID infection was detected and treated.
Depending on these factors, your doctor may ask you to visit a diagnostic imaging center for one or more of the following tests:
X-ray
This imaging test can now be done digitally, which exposes the patient to much less radiation than does traditional X-ray technology. It produces precise pictures of the lungs and other areas of the body. X-rays are frequently used in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of pneumonia and other lung issues.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes at your diagnostic imaging center. Instead of radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce numerous, clear, detailed pictures of any part of the body.
CT Scan
Taking just minutes to perform, computerized tomography (CT) creates high-resolution cross-sectional images of body organs. These images enable doctors to track the progress and/or remission of various conditions and diseases, and to manage ongoing treatment. It harnesses powerful X-ray technology, but it is often a preferred scanning method for its fast speed and excellent detail.
Ultrasound
The application of high-frequency sound waves via ultrasound helps doctors see the condition of body organs, such as the lungs. This easy, no-radiation scan can yield a wealth of information about lung tissue consolidation, which is a common side effect of the COVID infection.
How COVID-19 Causes Body-Wide Inflammation
While many manifestations and post-infection effects of COVID-19 remain a mystery, infectious disease experts agree that the virus targets major body organs. Plus, inflammatory changes seem to linger long past the active phase of the illness.
In fact, a common complication of this dangerous virus is pneumonia. Others are ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) and sepsis, which is body-wide infection that can cause shock and even death.
Accurate Diagnostic Imaging Center in The Bronx
Our team of board-certified physicians and certified technologists here at Starling Diagnostics use the latest imaging equipment and techniques to give you and your healthcare provider the most accurate and reliable test results. After having COVID-19, you can rest assured your doctor will have the information needed to manage and resolve any remaining effects of your illness.
Call us today at (718) 319-1610 to schedule a scan or to learn more about how our services can aid you in your full recovery from COVID-19. You can also fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to being a key part of your trusted healthcare team!
