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Published on: December 19, 2020
Management of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, in the radiology department
M Zanardo1, C Martini2, C B Monti3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy; FASTeR, Italian Federation of Scientific Radiographers Societies, Italy.
Insights
Radiology services must implement robust infection control measures for COVID-19 patients. This includes dedicated imaging rooms and optimized use of personal protective equipment to prevent viral transmission.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spread globally starting in December 2019.
- The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, causing significant mortality.
- Diagnostic testing is critical for managing patients with COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize approaches for managing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in diagnostic imaging.
- To provide guidance on infection control in radiology departments during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Review of infection control strategies for radiology services.
- Synthesis of best practices for managing patients undergoing radiographic and CT imaging.
- Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation protocols.
Main Results:
- Robust infection control plans are essential for radiology departments to prevent virus transmission.
- Optimization of PPE and dedicated equipment is necessary due to supply limitations.
- Special precautions are required during radiographic and CT imaging to limit contamination.
Conclusions:
- Dedicated imaging rooms for COVID-19 patients, including radiography and CT scanners, are recommended.
- Guidance on disposable protective gear, cleaning, and sanitation of radiology rooms and equipment is provided.
Objectives:
From December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease named COVID-19 was reported in China. Within 3 months, the World Health Organization defined COVID-19 as a pandemic, with more than 370,000 cases and 16,000 deaths worldwide. In consideration of the crucial role of diagnostic testing during COVID-19, the aim of this technical note was to provide a complete synthesis of approaches implemented for the management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.
Key Findings:
The planning of a robust plan to prevent the transmission of the virus to patients and department staff members should be fundamental in each radiology service. Moreover, the speed of spread and the incidence of the pandemic make it necessary to optimize the use of personal protective devices and dedicated COVID-19 equipment, given the limited availability of supplies.
Conclusion:
In the management of radiographic and CT imaging, staff should take special precautions to limit contamination between patients and other patients or professionals.
Implications For Practice:
An isolated imaging room should be dedicated to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, including radiography and CT scanners. This paper will provide guidance concerning disposable protective gear to be utilized, as well as on the cleaning and sanitation of radiology room and equipment.
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