Ultrasound Test During Covid Pandemic: Some Concerns Answered

Current Covid Pandemic not only has taken a huge toll but its wild pace has nearly taken medical fraternity by shock. There is a feeling amongst the patients and doctors, that diagnostic space are potential nodes of silent viral transmission. Similarly, many questions are on/about ultrasound scans. To make it understand better, we have interviewed Dr. Utkarsh Kabra on phone. Dr Kabra is a leading radiologist and sonologist from Jaipur. His answers may help you in planning your diagnostics and in particular ultrasound test.

How true is the fear of Covid transmission during diagnostic process?

Covid transmission through diagnostics is an ill founded fear as it is upto us to manage the process. We must differentiate between hoax and precautions. Diagnostic is life saving process. Most of the  hospitals and diagnostic centers are working under strict guidelines. They are taking a list of precautions starting from screening incoming patients for temperature,. They are incurring trouble but making it sure to sanitize the  hard surfaces. They are practicing physical distancing while in que or over the diagnostic process. Most importantly, the better informed Diagnostic centres are using Digitization wherever possible that reduces human touch and possibility of transmission of infection.

Dr. Utkarsh Kabra

Should Sonography centers take more steps to control viral transmission? 

I agree that Sonography centres are in a danger zone but most of them are quick to react to the safety hurdles. They are spacing patient arrivals, making each patient understand how important is timely appointments. Pre-ordered appointments provide sufficient gap between testing slots, offer a chance to spay intermittent disinfectants and avoid overcrowding of the facility.  It is also seen that patients are advised to stand outside or to  wait in their vehicles, or to sit on chairs- provided for elderly patients. Had it been for people in reception areas, it would have been much difficult to contain the spread. Doctors and staff wear protective gears- standard way to protect self and avoid transfer.The USG tables are sanitized with hypochlorite after examining each patient- a new  norm. Another alternative is using a disposable cover for the tables, this the best way to even eliminate traces of any transfer ot touch. USG probes and keyboards are cleaned with low level disinfectant, this was always the case. So there are no worries as such. Patients must see this happening in front of their eyes, so it builds the necessary trust and elevates the brand value of that diagnostic facility. One way to create not just awareness but caring Diagnostic brand.

Dr. Utkarsh Kabra

My Annual heath check-up is now due. ShalI I avoid my ultrasound test till Covid lasts?

Health check ups without any preceding history or symptoms can be postponed. However, in case of any symptoms appointment with a doctor or any examination should not be delayed. Early diagnosis and treatment of any disease is extremely important. If an investigation is required, prior appointment should be taken rather than walking type of appointments. You must call the centre or use Teleradiologyhub.com or other online method/apps for booking your appointment wherever possible before visiting the hospital/centre. This is good as you are more informed due to online information flow and you don't have to kill time waiting in long queues ( sometime you get additional discounts). Planning your scan definitely  reduces the chances of exposure to the virus.

Dr. Utkarsh Kabra

What are the chances of infections from a Sonologist or Radiologist? 

There's always a theoretical chance of viral transmission as corona virus is said to be dangerously contagious. No one can escape from it if he or she behaves carelessly and does not mind the codes. But as I said earlier, if both patient and Diagnostic facility practice those safety codes and take adequate measures to maintain physical space, nothing can cross line, even virus. Sonologists are trained to work in such situations. They are always close to patient to probe but always aware of their limits.

Dr. Utkarsh Kabra

How do facilities avoid infection during scans? 

There are many novel ways to keep the facility clean including usage of glass barriers between the patient and doctor. But using a good quality mask with a face shield should be the bare minimum. Minimizing waiting time before and after the scan is an important measure. Reports can be made available online rather than the patient having to come back to collect a physical copy.

Dr. Utkarsh Kabra

Lastly, how important is a doctor's prescription for an Utrasound test?

One usually doesn't need a prescription for Ultrasound test. However, in the current situation, a centre or hospital might refuse to perform a Ultrasound if they deem it unnecessary.

Dr. Utkarsh Kabra

If you have any questions about Ultrasound Test, please feel free to ask in comment section. If you need help in booking of Ultrasound Test, our team is ready to help you.