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CT scans can detect COVID-19

An alternative to a swab test for COVID-19 is a CT scan which can be done at Universal Imaging Centers. Anke Ciling operates the Fallbrook location.

"I was born and raised in Germany, came over here due to my husband, but I used to work for an orthopedic surgeon," Ciling said. "I did perform myself x-rays and I assisted with surgeries and intakes and made casts and such. So I have a large medical background I would say."

For patients unsure if they have COVID-19, they can be referred to Universal Imaging Centers.

"The patient needs to go to the doctor, primary or clinic, wherever the patient was seen first and we still would need to see a doctor's order that it has been ordered that the patient should get a CT scan," Ciling said.

"Due to regulations with x-rays, it's very important that they do have a doctor's order to come in and then we can schedule them and take precautions if the patient has been positive or was tested, before, positive," she added.

Ciling receives the results. "I can get it read by our radiologist, or I can get the report in 24 hours usually."

The test is free for the uninsured. "For the other patients of course, if they have insurance, the insurance will need to pay for it," she said.

They also do x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI's as well.

"Sometimes we accept patients for ultrasounds and MRI scans without doctor's order, because sometimes if patients want to pay out of pocket and they would like to have something done, they can," Ciling said. "Ultrasound and MRI is not as strictly governed as x-rays and CT's."

While Ciling has been managing the Fallbrook location since they took it over in July 2019, her husband operates their location in Los Angeles.

According to their website, CT imaging is more reliable, practical and rapid in diagnosing and assessing COVID-19, "The CT scans detect hazy, patchy, 'ground glass' white spots in the lung, a telltale sign of COVID-19. Compared to RT-PCR swab tests (70%), the CT scan is more accurate (98%)."

Universal Imaging Centers is located at 616 E Alvarado St., 760-689-6100. To learn more, visit https://universalimagingcenter.com/ or https://covid19scans.com/.

Lexington Howe can be reached by email at [email protected].

 

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