How MRI Practitioners Can Contribute To The Prevention Of Viral Disease Spreading

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. soars past 5.3 million, health care practitioners of all types continue to experience shifts and disruptions in their standard processes. Business is hardly as usual for these providers, as wide-reaching adjustments have peeled the curtain back on what some believe health care could look like in a post-COVID-19 world.

Even the American College of Radiology (ACR) has officially advised practitioners to minimize the use of magnetic resonance (MR) except where absolutely necessary and to postpone all non-urgent or non-emergent exams for patients known to have tested positive or those who have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. While the pandemic has heightened awareness around cleanliness, the topic of sanitation is one that should remain top of mind at all times for everyone involved with the MRI process.

Whether your efforts are intended to hinder the spread of COVID-19, the simple common cold or seasonal flu, putting proper protocols in place can work. Here’s a quick list of some of the most vital steps to take to prevent the transmission of viral diseases for patients undergoing MRI.

1) Wear proper PPE

This first tip is obviously geared toward the current climate around COVID-19, but the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) can’t be stressed enough. During this period of uncertainty, any practitioners who come in close contact with patients should wear gloves, masks and an eye shield. Daily audits of PPE supplies and infection control procedures are pivotal for the practice to remain in compliance with this recommendation.

The facility should also implement a mandate requiring patients to wear face coverings inside the building. It’s crucial to note that ACR makes specific mention of PPE in its guidance on COVID-19 and MR use, reminding visitors that not all masks are safe for this setting. ACR suggests standard surgical face masks (non-N95 respirators) and that patients wearing masks with a metal strip receive a standard mask prior to entering the radiology department or procedure room. 

2) Increase the number of air changes per hour

Because most MRI suites are designed with positive air pressure, ACR recommends at least six air changes per hour or 12 per hour for aerosol-generating procedures. While there’s no magic number for what an increased frequency in air changes looks like, Diagnostic Imaging notes that one study showed that 12 hourly changes can reduce the possibility of viral transmission by more than 50%. While it might be inconvenient for technicians to take this step, upping the number of hourly air changes appears to be an effective way to mitigate the spread of airborne viruses.

 3) Increase the duration between imaging appointments

This tip is one that may not help a facility’s bottom line, but it can certainly make a difference when it comes to preventing virus transmission. Practitioners should plan for a 60-minute aeration time between appointments for a number of reasons. First, that time provides ample opportunities to prepare for proper cleaning procedures, but it also allows staff to restock or replenish PPE as needed. 

4) Take cleaning protocols seriously

Once the spread of COVID-19 slows and we start to resume some sort of normalcy, staff will likely want to ease up on the stringent sanitation practices adopted during the height of the pandemic. But for the sake of your patients and your community, it’s critical that we don’t take our foot off the gas.

ACR has issued specific COVID-19 guidelines that include using only “approved cleaning agents following a clockwise, linear, top to bottom pattern of cleaning all visible surfaces.” Long-handled sponges are a safe way for staff to handle hard to reach areas or those with direct patient exposure, like an MRI bore. Surfaces of non-equipment that are frequently touched must also receive proper attention. And, lastly, you should always ensure that the procedure room is free of clutter and non-critical items are stored away from a patient’s reach.

 5)  Limit the number of people allowed in the room

It’s normal for patients undergoing an MRI to have some fear or anxiety around the procedure. And for many people, that apprehension is usually somewhat calmed by having a friend or loved one near them during the scan. Unfortunately, limiting the number of people allowed in the room to only essential staff and the patient is in the facility’s best interest.

To practice complete safety precautions, you may consider closing patient waiting rooms and moving to a digital sign-in process. There are vendors that help facilities with this process by allowing front desk staff to send a text message to the patient when it’s time for their scan.

Final thoughts on preventing transmission of viral diseases in the MRI suite

Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to tell us when the spread of COVID-19 will dissipate. In many ways, it’s likely to be similar to what we experience with the flu in that a vaccine may be necessary to prevent or reduce some symptoms. However, unlike the flu, the fact that COVID-19 patients can be asymptomatic is troubling for MRI practitioners. Simply put, the most impactful way of lessening the risk of patients transmitting these viral diseases is by taking the types of measures listed above.