COVID-19 Resources for Radiology Departments

We are all in this together and in an effort to ensure that key COVID-19 information is being shared with as many radiology professionals as possible we’ve put together a list of expert recommendations and statements you may find useful. We’ve also included a brief recap of the key findings for your convenience.

ACR Recommendations on the use of CT and Chest Radiography for suspected COVID-19 patients
https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/ACR-Position-Statements/Recommendations-for-Chest-Radiography-and-CT-for-Suspected-COVID19-Infection

Key findings:

• CT should not be used to screen for or as a first-line test to diagnose COVID-19.
• CT should be used sparingly and reserved for hospitalized, symptomatic patients with specific clinical indications for CT.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria for COVID-19
https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69446/Narrative/?_ga=2.77413525.1658977953.1585275303-64798944.1576568312

Radiological Society of North America Expert Consensus Statement on Reporting Chest CT Findings Related to COVID-19.
https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/ryct.2020200152#fig1

Key findings:

• Routine screening CT for the identification of COVID-19 pneumonia is currently not recommended by most radiology societies.
• Provides guidance and language to radiologists on incidentally detected findings that could be attributed to COVID-19.
• The goal of this expert consensus is to help radiologists recognize findings of COVID-19 pneumonia and aid their communication with other healthcare providers.

Society if Cardiovascular Computed Tomography COVID-19 Response
https://scct.org/page/COVID-19

Key findings:

• For patients under investigation and confirmed COVID-19 patients, the benefits of CT will likely be lower than the risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection to healthcare personnel.
• Ensure proper use of personal protection equipment.
• Ensure appropriate environmental cleaning and decontamination.

CT is US: COVID-19 CT Scanning Procedures
https://ctisus.com/resources/CT%20Scanning%20Suspected%20COVID.pdf

Key findings:

• 1 technologist dons PPE and 1 technologist remains clean.
• Patient wears a surgical mask.
• Clean and wipe the gantry, table, and any surfaces after the exam.
• No downtime needed for suspected COVID-19 patients.  45 minutes of downtime after the exam for confirmed COVID-19 patients.

LANDAUER appreciates all you do and wish each of you the very best in these difficult times. Stay safe and healthy.