Department of Radiology

GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING OF PATIENTS SUSPECTED TO HAVE SARS

(Note: These guidelines are based on the HOSPITAL INFECTION CONTROL GUIDELINES FOR SARS.)

1. General guidelines for Airborne, Droplet, and Contact transmission previously noted in the color coding of highly infections are to be followed.

2. Radiographic examination on SARS patients will be done at the ER triage area or designated room at 11F.

3. Before approaching the patient, assigned radiology technicians should follow the following procedures:

a. Before approaching the patient, technicians should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consisting of a mask (preferably N95 mask) and gloves and if available, googles, protective gown, apron and footwear that can be decontaminated. The PPE is available from the ER and 11F Nurses station.

b. Wash hands before and after contact with patients and before leaving isolation area.

c. Used disposable protective gear should be disposed into specific biologically hazardous material receptacles (preferably those specifically assigned for SARS cases) provided at the ER triage area or designated are at 11F. Transport of these materials outside of the isolation area is not allowed.

d. Non-disposable equipments coming in contact with SARS patients, like cassettes and portable x-ray machines should as far as possible be covered by appropriate protective materials such as plastic before coming in contact with the patient and the coverings are to be disinfected or placed in specific biohazard receptacles immediately after use. The portable x-ray machine and cassettes are then decontaminated by disinfecting agents recommended by the Infection Control Committee as soon as possible. Broad spectrum disinfectants are preferably used of the exposed surfaces of the equipments. Technicians are to be trained on specific decontamination procedures prescribed for the equipments used.

4. Ultrasound and CT examinations will not be done on SARS patients during their infectious state.

Radio-2003-29-04