From One Technologist to Another—COVID-19 Questions Answered

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has forced Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Departments to cancel appointments, change procedures and protocols and adapt to significant changes rapidly. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are often on the frontlines, working and communicating directly with their patients. To provide advice and guidance to the community, eight nuclear medicine technologists from around the country were interviewed -a summary of their responses are documented below. What protocols are Nuclear Medicine Technologists following regarding staffing the department during this crisis?Nuclear Medicine procedures have decreased exponentially during the COVID-19 crisis. Departments across the country are taking active measures to ensure the health and safety of their patients and nuclear medicine professionals working in the department. Staffing protocols and schedules are being revised to fit the needs and safety requirements of departments. Currently, in many institutions patients and staff are being screened upon entry into the department. If a patient is deemed a

Nuclear medicine practices during the COVID-19 pandemic—review of some recently published protocols

“…There should be a rotation after 14 days, and COVID-19 test should be conducted for the onsite workers before they are sent offsite. Lastly, if lung analysis via nuclear medicine scanning shows any COVID-19 symptoms, the suspect and respective visitors and personnel should be promptly informed, quarantined, clinically examined, and treated as required [8][9][10].…”