| Summary: | Background: Imaging and PCR each have a role in detecting and implementing precautionary measures in
isolating individuals with a history of close contact, which helps limit the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to
developing countries' difficulties, PCR is limited in Iran. This study seeks to determine the feasibility of early
low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scans substitution with PCR.
Materials and Methods: Asymptomatic participants with a history of close contact with a confirmed case of
COVID-19 were enrolled and followed for one week, receiving 2 PCR tests within one week. Initially, a chest
CT scan was performed. The second CT scan was performed within one week on two participants. Participants
with an initially negative CT scan and participants with a first CT scan compatible with COVID-19 who became
symptomatic.
Results: All Participants had an RT-PCR and at least one CT scan. Positive RT-PCR results were reported in
6 and 9 participants initially and within one week, respectively. Chest CT scans favoring COVID-19 infection
were initially reported in 4 and 6 participants within one week, respectively. Seventeen participants showed
neither symptoms nor positive RT-PCR or chested CT scans favoring COVID-19. Thirteen participants either
had positive RT-PCR, a COVID-19 chest CT scan or became symptomatic.
Conclusion: Rapid detection of COVID-19 and subsequent quarantining is crucial in the global fight against
this pandemic. Our results showed lower sensitivity for chest CT scans compared to COVID-19 PCR,
suggesting that chest CT scans are unsuitable for COVID-19 PCR tests.
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