Avoid repeated CT scans in mild COVID-19 cases; can cause cancer; warns AIIMS Director
Dr Guleria mentioned that people are going for a CT scan the moment they find out that they are COVID-19 positive, adding that misuse of CT scans and biomarkers may cause damage

- May 4, 2021,
- Updated May 4, 2021 9:05 AM IST
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr. Randeep Guleria has warned against going for repeated CT scans in mild COVID-19 cases. Dr. Guleria added it can end up doing more harm than good and has side effects.
He mentioned that people are going for a CT scan the moment they find out that they are COVID-19 positive, adding that misuse of CT scans and biomarkers may cause damage.
"One CT scan is equivalent to 300-400 chest x-rays. According to data, repeated CT scans in younger age groups increase the risk of cancer in later life. Exposing yourself to radiation, again and again, may cause damage. So, there is no point in doing a CT scan in mild COVID-19 if the oxygen saturation is normal," Guleria explained.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr. Randeep Guleria has warned against going for repeated CT scans in mild COVID-19 cases. Dr. Guleria added it can end up doing more harm than good and has side effects.
He mentioned that people are going for a CT scan the moment they find out that they are COVID-19 positive, adding that misuse of CT scans and biomarkers may cause damage.
"One CT scan is equivalent to 300-400 chest x-rays. According to data, repeated CT scans in younger age groups increase the risk of cancer in later life. Exposing yourself to radiation, again and again, may cause damage. So, there is no point in doing a CT scan in mild COVID-19 if the oxygen saturation is normal," Guleria explained.