The use of an ultrasound procedure (sonogram or Doppler) involves:
- Close contact with the patient
- Prolonged contact (10 minutes or more)
- Physical contact with the patient and the objects and equipment in the patient’s vicinity
- It signifies a high level of risk of exposure to transmission through droplets and physical contact
This requires any clinician performing an ultrasound exam on a patient with COVID-19 to apply protective measures.
- The patient should wear a surgical mask, and if possible, should disinfect their hands with a hand sanitizer solution
- A colleague should assist the clinician in putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to conducting the procedure
- The clinician should:
- Disinfect their hands with a hand sanitizer solution before and after the ultrasound exam
- Wear a surgical mask (or N95 mask)
- Wear a suitable outfit:
- Surgical gown if the healthcare facility requires it (avoid using plain clothes with a simple gown)
- Hygiene cap
- Disposable gown
- Single-use plastic apron (only if the clinician comes into contact with bodily fluids, thus this is dependent upon the condition of the patient)
- Reusable plastic glasses (or visor mask)
- Wearing gloves is an option but one must be cautious because these may give a false sense of security from risk of transmission. It is highly recommended that they be used when there are bodily fluids present.
- Protect the ultrasound transducer with a sterile probe cover. If there are bodily fluids present, then the ultrasound machine may also be protected with a sterile equipment drape to prevent cross-contamination.
- If possible, it is recommended that a room be isolated, and an ultrasound transducer be dedicated solely for COVID-19 patients (or those suspected to have the coronavirus). This room must be able to be ventilated for 20 minutes between each patient.
- Cleaning of the device with hospital-grade disinfectants including the probe, the cables, the keyboard, and the probe holders and disinfection of the examination table following the exam.