Is It a CT Scan or CT?

For effusion, I would always start with an ultrasound. If you didn't already have a chest X-ray, would that usually be your first option or you prefer an ultrasound over? It's just rare that someone makes it to me without having had an X-ray already. So in this patient, I would say she deserves at least a diagnostic tap. You know, if you look and you see lockulations or it doesn't look like a simple free flow and effusion, that can help make your decision for you too.