Radiology Preparedness in Ebola Virus Disease: Guidelines and Challenges for Disinfection of Medical Imaging Equipment for the Protection of Staff and Patients

Mollura, Daniel J.; Palmore, Tara N.; Folio, Les; Bluemke, David A.

doi:10.1148/radiol.15142670

Cited by 25 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Because EVD disease transmission is through the infected patient's body fluid, good environmental hygiene is very important [74]. In addition to extensive disinfection of radiology equipment, environmental hydrogen peroxide vapor disinfection and disinfection of soiled surfaces are required while dealing with EVD patients [75,76].…”

Section: Ebolamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Health Care–Associated Infections and the Radiology Department

Ilyas

Burbridge

Babyn

2019

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

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Health care-associated infections (HCAIs) are a significant concern for both health care workers (HCWs) and patients. They are a major contributing factor of disease in industrialized countries, and are responsible for significant morbidity, mortality, and a direct annual financial loss of $6-7 billion in North America alone. They are an increasingly challenging health issue due to multidrug-resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci among others, along with an increasing number of susceptible patients. Over the last three decades, the risk of HCAIs has increased in the radiology department (RD) in part because of an increased number of patients visiting the department and an increase in the utilization of imaging modalities. In this review, we will discuss how patients and staff can be exposed to HCAIs in the RD, including contaminated inanimate surfaces, radiology equipment, and associated medical devices. As the role of medical imaging has extended from primarily diagnosis to include more interventions, the implementation and development of standardized infection minimization protocols and infection control procedures are vital in the RD, particularly in interventional radiology. With globalisation and the rapid movement of people regionally, nationally, and globally, there is greater risk of exposure to contagious diseases such as Ebola, especially if infected patients are undiagnosed when they travel. For effective infection control, advanced training and education of HCWs in the RD is essential.The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of HCAIs as related to activities of the RD. We will discuss the following major topics including the variety of HCAIs commonly encountered, the role of the RD in HCAIs, transmission of infections to patients and HCWs in the RD, standard infection prevention measures, and the management of susceptible/infected patients in the RD. We shall also examine the role of, and the preparedness of, HCWs, including RD technologists and interventional radiologists, who may be exposed to undiagnosed, yet infected patients. We shall conclude with a brief discussion of the role of further research related to HCAIs. Learning ObjectivesAfter the completion of this review article, the readers will Understand the exposure and role of radiology department in health care-associated infections, Know the causes/modes/transmission of infections in radiology department, Be conscious of standard disinfection protocols, Be aware of current and future strategies required for the effective control of health care-associated infection in the radiology department. This is a CME article and provides the equivalent of 2 hours of continuing education that may be applied to your professional development credit system. A 10-question multiple-choice quiz follows this reading. Please note that no formalized credit (category A) is available from CAMRT.

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Section: Ebolamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…PPEs are very important for HCWs working in isolation units and dealing with infected patients. For infections such as EVD, heightened PPE includes full-body coveralls, 2 pairs of nitrile gloves, powered air respirators or N95 respirator, fluid-impermeable apron, and shoe covers with, or without, leg covers [76].…”

Section: Protection Of Radiology Staffmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Care–Associated Infections and the Radiology Department

Ilyas

Burbridge

Babyn

2019

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

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“…The disinfectants used and the procedure performed must be approved by the equipment manufacturers to avoid damage during decontamination [7].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiographic imaging in Ebola Virus Disease: protocol to acquire chest radiographs

et al. 2015

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“…Medical imaging equipment must be decontaminated before use on other patients, limiting imaging modalities to portable techniques (radiographs and US) [6, 8 •• ]. The utilization of CT and MRI would increase the risk of transmission to patients and healthcare workers [11] and is often unavailable in regions affected by EVD.…”

Section: Ebola Virus Disease (Evd)mentioning

confidence: 99%