The cost of a Computed Tomographic (CT) scan varies according to the body part being scanned, with a contrast CT scan costing higher than a standard CT scan. The approximate cost in India is between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 5,000. Costs are also subject to change in different cities in India and individual labs.
Get in Touch with Medical Experts
What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, uses a combination of computerized X-rays that helps doctors to produce detailed pictures of the organs, bones, and other tissues. It creates more detailed images than X-rays.
It is mainly performed on the abdomen, heart, knee, and spine. It is a painless procedure in which the body passes through a tunnel-like machine that circles one part of the body. This helps in producing a series of pictures from different angles.
These images are stored in a computer to create an all-around two-dimensional (2D) snapshot of the required body part. This 2D scan displays a 'slice' of the captured part of the body like a piece in a loaf of bread. In this way, the process is carried out to produce a repetitive number of slices.
These kinds of scans are helpful to a surgeon to look at a tumor from all angles while performing surgery. A CT scan is a minimally invasive procedure that can produce three-dimensional (3D) images if required. The CT scan cost varies depending on which body part you want to get scanned.
What are the Benefits of a CT scan?
CT scans can provide detailed information to diagnose, plan treatment for, and evaluate many conditions in adults and children. Additionally, the clear images provided by CT scans may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.
How Long Does a CT Scan Take?
To ensure clear scan images, it is important to remain still and breathe normally during each scan. You may be instructed to take deep breaths, exhale, or hold your breath at specific intervals.
The scan usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes. You can expect to receive the reports within 24-48 hours or the timeframe specified during the scan.
What is the Cost of One CT Scan in India?
A brain CT scan starts at approximately 25.34 USD (INR 1800), while a whole body or an angio CT scan may cost around 253.40 USD (INR 18,000).
CT Scan of the Abdomen
CT scan of the abdomen produces a detailed series of images of the body's abdominal and pelvic organs, including adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract.
A doctor generally prescribes this test when he wants to examine the cause of pain or observes an abnormality on other tests such as ultrasound. The CT scan produces more detailed information than a plain X-ray that can help doctors check tumors or nodules.
The doctor may ask you to go for an abdominal CT scan if there are:
-
Continuous abdominal pain
-
Sudden, unexplained weight loss
-
Infections
-
Abnormal swelling
-
Formation of blood clots
-
Injuries followed by accident or trauma
-
Intestinal obstruction
-
Inflamed intestines, such as Crohn's disease
The abdominal CT scan further guides the doctor for biopsies or tissue aspiration from the abdomen. These CT scan results can also help identify the leading cause behind abdominal tumors, which may help in treatment.
Depending on the part of the abdomen you want to scan, the CT scan abdomen cost varies accordingly:
Part of the abdomen | Cost |
Lower Abdomen | 28 USD (1,950 INR) |
Upper Abdomen | 29.56 USD (2,100 INR) |
Whole Abdomen | 38.01 USD (2,700 INR) |
Abdomen Dual Phase | 63.35 USD (4,500 INR) |
Abdomen Triple Phase | 68.84 USD (4,890 INR) |
Abdomen Angiography | 69.69 USD (4,950 INR) |
Abdomen Aortic Angiography | 90.01 USD (6,400 INR) |
The prices above may differ according to the city, hospital, and laboratory.
CT Scan of Brain
The CT scan produces detailed 3D images of the brain to examine any injuries in the brain, causes of internal bleeding & headaches, or brain tumors. These scanned results help evaluate treatment.
The doctor usually prescribes a CT scan of the brain if he observes any of the following symptoms:
-
Bone and tissue damage
-
Paralysis of different body parts
-
Blood clotting
-
Numbness, especially in fingers and toes
-
Enlarged brain cavities
-
Vertigo
-
Loss of consciousness
-
Brain tumor
-
Stroke
-
Internal bleeding
-
Abnormalities in middle ear bones
The brain CT scan costs vary according to parameters such as contrast/non-contrast, part of the brain, laboratory, affiliations, city, etc. However, the price may start from 16.75 USD (INR 1,190) to 78.84 USD (INR 5,600).
Brain without Contrast | 16.75 USD (INR 1,190) |
Brain with Contrast | 27.87 USD (INR 1,980) |
Brain Angiography | 78.84 USD (INR 5,600) |
Brain with Perfusion | 24.64 USD (INR 1,750) |
CT Scan of PNS (Paranasal Sinuses)
A CT Scan of the PNS includes the upper throat behind the nose. CT Scanning PNS helps in diagnosing complications, if there are any, in the human body, such as:
-
Injuries in the sinus bones
-
Congenital disabilities in the sinuses
-
Repetitive blood loss from the nose
-
Masses and tumors in the nasal cavity and sinuses
-
To check whether the sinuses have become fluid-filled or sinus membranes have thickened.
Therefore, depending on the type of CT scan PNS needed, the cost may vary from 21.12 USD (INR 1,500) to 84.47 USD (INR 6,000).
CT Scan of Chest
A chest CT Scan is a painless imaging test that produces various detailed images, called slices, of the lungs and chest. These images are stored in a computer where 3D images of your lungs and chest take place. This minimally invasive imaging test follows up on abnormal findings from previous chest X-rays.
A chest CT scan helps find the reason behind any lung issue, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. It also helps detect any major lung problems, such as tumors, excessive fluid in the lungs - pleural effusion, tuberculosis, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism.
The chest CT scan costs between 21.12 USD (INR 1,500) to 42.23 USD (INR 3,000), including parameters such as contrast/non-contrast, 16/32/64 slices CT scan machines, affiliated laboratory/hospital, and city.
What Are the Side Effects of CT Scan?
-
Some people are allergic to contrast materials, which, most of the time, have a mild reaction.
-
It is possible to experience itchiness or a rash from the dye used during a CT scan.
-
While rare, there is a slight chance of a life-threatening reaction.
-
Although it's rare, contrast materials can lead to kidney problems.
As a precaution, your healthcare provider may monitor you briefly after the procedure.
Inform your doctor of any allergies to seafood, medications, or iodine. It is essential to inform your doctor if you have diabetes and are using metformin medication. They can advise whether to stop taking it before or after your procedure.
Why is a CT Scan So Expensive?
The expense of a CT scan can be divided into three parts: technical, professional, and facility fees. Firstly, it should be noted that CT machinery comes with a high cost. Additionally, the room housing the CT machine is also costly to build. The cost of a new CT machine can reach up to USD 300,000.
Final Thoughts
CT scans are an excellent diagnostic tool. You may have worries when your provider orders a CT scan. But this safe, painless test is noninvasive and has minimal risk. The reward is that a CT scan can help your providers accurately diagnose a health concern and properly treat you.
In case of any concerns, it's important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide information on other testing options available to you.