Specific Considerations for Sonographers When Performing Echocardiography during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak: Supplement to the American Society of Echocardiography Statement

Carol Mitchell, Keith Collins, Lanqi Hua, Carlene McClanahan, Elaine Shea, Matthew Umland, Melissa Wasserman, Carol Mitchell, Keith Collins, Lanqi Hua, Carlene McClanahan, Elaine Shea, Matthew Umland, Melissa Wasserman

Abstract

Sonographers need to be familiar with and prepared to implement strategies for reducing the risk of exposure to and transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Strategies to employ can be grouped into three broad categories: (1) whom to scan, (2) where to scan, and (3) how to scan. Whom to scan addresses sonographer strategies for determining essential and emergent scan status. Where to scan addresses sonographer practice strategies for selecting equipment, use of rooms, portable examinations, and training personnel. How to scan addresses the topics of scanning techniques (tailored protocols, right-handed scanning, use of barrier devices) and equipment cleaning and disinfecting.

Keywords: ASE; COVID-19; Protection; Sonographer.

Copyright © 2020 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) Draped ultrasound system. (B) Draped transducer. (C) Draped handheld system.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Barrier example used between the patient and the sonographer., , , This is a posed photograph demonstrating the barrier technique and how the sonographer's arm can maneuver under the barrier shield. If this were a real situation, the sonographer would be wearing appropriate PPE.

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Source: PubMed

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