The pace of the spread of COVID-19 is overwhelming and at the same time, it is very interesting to see, how basic measures like disinfection and washing hands become the “Golden Rules” to contain the spread.
As we all know, radiology departments play a vital role in our healthcare ecosystem and nearly all patients end up in radiology at some stage. Given this crucial role, we are sharing some background information as well as some best practices on what radiology departments need to know during COVID-19.
Key role of radiology in the midst of COVID-19
An interview with Dr. Mahmud Mossa-Basha (University of Washington) and Dr. Meltzer (Emory School of Medicine Atlanta) explaining how radiologists help their hospitals deal with the novel coronavirus pandemic and what role imaging plays during this pandemic.
Overview: What your radiology department should know
Table 1: Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2020
Best practices for radiology departments during coronavirus healthcare crisis
The article “Radiology experts list COVID-19 best practices” describes priorities for handling coronavirus cases and strategies radiology departments can put into place. It elaborates on aspects like limiting exposure to the virus, determines the best use of imaging as well as key measures for staff protection
Disinfecting imaging equipment during COVID-19 outbreak
This article shows the importance of hygiene standards and how to best disinfect imaging equipment during COVID-19.
“Imaging equipment used to scan patients can be contaminated with the COVID19 virus for up to nine days if the machines aren't properly cleaned. The virus can stay active on metal, glass, or plastic surfaces. And, according to recent research from the University Medicine Greifswald and Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, the best way to decontaminate these areas is by using a solution comprised of 62 percent-to-72 percent ethanol, 0.5 percent hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1 percent sodium hypochlorite within one minute of possible contamination.»
https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/disinfecting-imaging-equipment-during-covid19-outbreak
Importance of perfectly hygienic patient positioning aids
Patient positioning aids are a very important aspect when it comes to the cleanliness and hygiene of radiology departments.
By definition, positioning aids are mostly in direct contact with the patient throughout the entire examination. Given the large throughput of outpatients and inpatients, positioning aids can pose a major risk for the spread of viruses and bacteria in hospitals, unless they are used in a perfectly hygienic condition. Find out more in our eBook “Radiology: A hub for superbacteria” that was published in 2017 already.
Checklist and guideline for perfectly hygienic patient positioning aids
In the light of COVID-19, we summarized the most important aspects of our eBook “Radiology: A hub for superbacteria” and added some current background information. The document also contains a checklist on how to evaluateyour patient positioning aids’ hygiene standards and further offers a guideline on how to keep positioning aids hygienic.
During times like these, it becomes even more apparent that hygiene standards cannot be compromised and that it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to a perfectly hygienic hospital environment.
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ABOUT PEARL TECHNOLOGY
Pearl Technology AG, based in Schlieren, offers innovative solutions for the placement, positioning and immobilization of patients in radiology and radiotherapy. The products are manufactured in Switzerland according to ISO norm 13485 and are characterized by simple handling, high patient comfort and excellent hygiene which guarantees smooth and safe examination processes.
Download further information on our patient positioning portfolio for radiology and nuclear medicine or contact us directly in order to receive further information on our patient positioning solutions.