Radiology
Radiology can be a useful adjunct, but we must use it wisely. Moreover,
we should not routinely rely on radiographic imaging alone without
physical exam because this provides suboptimal care and exposes several
other providers, including radiology technicians, transporters. MRI
usage also leads to additional safety concerns as most N95 masks are not
MRI safe. The ferromagnetic band needs to be removed and the mask taped
down to the face to limit gapping at the nose. If the technologist has
not passed the N95 fit testing (or has facial hair) and a COVID+ patient
is needed to be scanned, another technologist would need to be
recruited. Furthermore, PAPR suits are also not MRI safe and cannot be
altered to make it non-ferromagnetic. Finally, if a COVID+ patient
should be scanned, the process of wiping down/terminal clean takes
approximately two hours.