Radiography Department and Mobile Radiography on at risk COVID-19 patients
2. During
2.1. Radiographer/RT Tasks
- Preferably work in pairs with one radiographer to facilitate contact/non-contact technique
- Introduce yourself and colleague by name and explain what you are about to do
- Get consent for the examination if that is possible
- For supine radiography cover the X-ray couch with disposable paper.
- For imaging that requires the detector/cassette to be in contact with the patient, such as mobile radiography, insert the image receptor with a disposable plastic cover
- Remove any radiopaque objects in the region of interest from the patient
- Patient and image receptor positioned – for mobile radiography the DDR/CR detector placed under the thorax for CXR.
- Contact radiographer undertaking imaging in the department stands in the radiation protected area – without touching anything
- Contact radiographer undertaking mobile radiography stands outside the controlled area without physical contact with the team or any objects
- Ensure correct anatomical marker in beam
- Image acquisition/exposure made by non-contact radiographer, ensuring the principles of justification, optimization, radiation dose limitation as well as the radiographer’s/Radiologic Technologist’s Ethical Code and RG/RT Professional Rights at all times
- Image checked and if optimum image quality send to PACS
- Remove gloves and dispose of them in the clinical waste bin (yellow hazardous-contaminated waste) in accordance with the regulation of your Hospital Waste Management Committee. (HWMC)
- Remember, when exiting the X-ray room (contaminated area) or Ward bed location clothing may be contaminated.
- Don't take off mask!
- Disinfect hands with an hand sanitizer before you enter the console area (clean area) i.e. before touching the keyboard and mouse, the control console, and the injector.