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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases in Radiology
1Curriculum chair for the Medical Radiography department and program director for the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program at East Coast Polytechnic Institute University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Abstract:
Any patient who arrives in the radiology department for imaging procedures possibly carries a pathogen able to penetrate the cells of staff members or contaminate surfaces. Likewise, a staff member might carry a pathogen capable of being passed to the patient population, such as someone working with flu-like symptoms. Delivering optimal patient care, while protecting against the spread of infectious diseases, is part of the radiologic technologist's responsibilities. This article discusses the cycle of infection, aseptic practices, standard safety and isolation precautions, and regulatory implications.
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