【Abstract】 Objective To explore computed tomography (CT) and viral nucleic acid detection in the diagnosis and curative effect evaluation of 2019 new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Methods 18 patients with COVID-19 were selected. The results of nucleic acid detection, CT examination and CT manifestations were analyzed. Results In the 18 confirmed cases, the nucleic acid of throat swab and chest CT were detected. The positive result of nucleic acid detection was in 14 cases, while 4 cases were negative in the first detection. Similarly, 15 cases with positive results and 3 cases with negative results for the first time of CT scan were found. In the nucleic acid positive cases, all cases had imaging features of pneumonia on CT. Flake, flocculent and nodular exudative shadows in the subpleural region imaging features of pneumonia were found in the image of CT, which distributed mainly in bilateral lower lungs. In the lesions, GGO is the main manifestation. In seriously ill patients, there are large fusion and grid like changes of GGO, as well as typical "white lung" signs. Conclusion CT not only plays an important role in early clinical diagnosis, but also in the evaluation of curative effect. Therefore, organic combination of nucleic acid detection and CT examination, and popularization of chest CT examination for the screening of suspected patients with COVID-19 can achieve the early detection, which will contribute to the control of COVID-19 epidemic.