Radiology
Radiology can be a useful adjunct, but we must use it wisely. Moreover, we should not routinely rely on radiographic imaging alone without physical exam because this provides suboptimal care and exposes several other providers, including radiology technicians, transporters. MRI usage also leads to additional safety concerns as most N95 masks are not MRI safe. The ferromagnetic band needs to be removed and the mask taped down to the face to limit gapping at the nose. If the technologist has not passed the N95 fit testing (or has facial hair) and a COVID+ patient is needed to be scanned, another technologist would need to be recruited. Furthermore, PAPR suits are also not MRI safe and cannot be altered to make it non-ferromagnetic. Finally, if a COVID+ patient should be scanned, the process of wiping down/terminal clean takes approximately two hours.