Radiographic imaging for patients with contagious infectious diseases: how to acquire chest radiographs of patients infected with the Ebola virus

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2015 Jan;204(1):44-8. doi: 10.2214/AJR.14.14041.

Abstract

Objective: Contagious infectious diseases add a new dimension to radiology and pose many unanswered questions. In particular, what is the safest way to image patients with contagious and potentially lethal infectious diseases? Here, we describe protocols used by Emory University to successfully acquire chest radiographs of patients with Ebola virus disease.

Conclusion: Radiology departments need to develop new protocols for various modalities used in imaging patients with contagious and potentially lethal infectious diseases.

Keywords: Ebola virus; chest radiographs; infectious diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Cross Infection / diagnostic imaging
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Georgia
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Patient Safety / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / standards*
  • Safety Management / standards*