Prevention and control measures in radiology department for COVID-19

Eur Radiol. 2020 Jul;30(7):3603-3608. doi: 10.1007/s00330-020-06850-5. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

Since a novel coronavirus was discovered from a cluster of patients with emerging pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China, it has spread rapidly through droplet and contact transmission. Recently, the novel coronavirus pneumonia which was named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has been raised as a worldwide problem. Radiological examinations were confirmed as effective methods for the screening and diagnosis of COVID-19. It is reported that some radiologists and radiological technologists were infected when giving examinations to the patients with COVID-19. In order to reduce the infection risk of medical staff in radiology department, we summarized the experience on prevention and control measures in radiology department for COVID-19, aiming to guide the prevention and practical work for radiologists and radiological technologists. KEY POINTS: • The novel coronavirus spreads rapidly through droplet and contact transmission. • Radiologists and radiological technologists were possibly infected by patients. • Prevention and control measures in radiology department for COVID-19 are important.

Keywords: Coronavirus; Infection control; Pneumonia; Radiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Health*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Personal Protective Equipment*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Radiology Department, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Workplace