Which test is NOT typically used to diagnose congestive heart failure (CHF)?

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) typically involves several key tests that help assess the heart's structure and function, as well as identify the presence of fluid overload. An echocardiogram (ECHO) is a primary tool used in evaluating heart function, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the heart's chambers, walls, and valves. A chest X-ray (CXR) helps assess the size of the heart and check for fluid in the lungs, which can indicate CHF. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels are utilized as a biomarker in diagnosing CHF; elevated levels of BNP can indicate strain on the heart.

In contrast, while a CT scan can be useful in evaluating certain cardiac conditions or complications related to heart disease, it is not a standard or primary test for diagnosing CHF. It may provide additional information in specific clinical scenarios, but it is not routinely used as part of the basic diagnostic workup for CHF. Therefore, the CT scan stands out as the option that is not typically used for diagnosing congestive heart failure.