ISUOG Safety Committee Position Statement on safe performance of obstetric and gynecological scans and equipment cleaning in context of COVID‐19

Abstract

In view of the challenges of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to protect both patients and ultrasound providers (physicians, sonographers, allied professionals), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) has compiled the following expert-opinion-based guidance for the performance of ultrasound investigations in pregnancy and for gynecological indications. The guidance assumes that robust local processes are in place for cleaning ultrasound equipment after each patient routinely, and gives specific recommendations for ultrasound examinations in suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

ISUOG Safety Committee Position Statement on use of personal protective equipment and hazard mitigation in relation to SARS‐CoV‐2 for practitioners undertaking obstetric and gynecological ultrasound

“…Patients with suspected/probable/confirmed COVID -19 or in a region in which there is widespread community transmission. 26 Low-level disinfection for external probes; high-level disinfection for internal probes Low-level disinfection for external probes; high-level disinfection for internal probes; additional low-level disinfection for ultrasound machine and cables Low-level disinfection for external probes; high-level disinfection for internal probes; additional low-level disinfection for ultrasound machine and cables *Symptomatic patient with or without travel, occupation, contact and cluster (TOCC) risk factors, in area in which there is widespread community transmission. †Extended use of surgical facemasks is practice of wearing same surgical facemask for repeat close-contact encounters with several different patients, without removing facemask between patients.…”

COVID‐19: Infection prevention and control guidance for all ultrasound practitioners

“…The spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is known to occur via contact and respiratory droplets. According to the recommendations from the CDNA, 8 and due to the nature of performance of ultrasound in close proximity to the patient and for a prolonged period of time, standard PPE such a surgical mask along with gowns, gloves and hand hygiene measures should be considered for all ultrasound practitioners.…”

“…The Communicable Disease Network of Australia (CDNA), defines two key circumstances whereby risk of COVID‐19 is the highest: close and sustained personal contact 8 . The simplest control measures to interrupt droplet and contact transmission is social distancing, or keeping at least 1.5 to 2 m apart, and implementing hand hygiene.…”

SFM India Oriented Guidelines for Ultrasound Establishments During the COVID 19 Pandemic

“…The ultrasound examination has multiple aspects that can increase transmission from the patient to the healthcare worker and vice versa [1,17] including:…”

“…The gap between appointments will vary from institution to institution and should be based on. Patients can then be triaged into one of the three categories [1] as shown in Fig. 2.…”