Chest X-ray for Early Diagnosis of COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage countries across the globe, and the rate of new cases outpaces the production and distribution of reliable viral testing kits, healthcare facilities, and even private individuals are beginning to discover the viability of testing for this deadly pathogen using x-ray imaging techniques.

Mobile x-ray devices have been in particularly high demand, as they can be deployed quickly in a wide variety of locations and situations, and are more easily disinfected than their larger, stationary counterparts. The following is a short overview of how mobile x-ray devices can be used effectively to detect COVID-19 cases. How Do COVID-19 Cases Appear on X-Ray Chest imaging studies performed using chest X-ray and chest computerized tomography (CT) show telltale changes that are present with COVID-19 infection, generally appearing as bilateral nodular and peripheral ground glass opacities, with both sides of the lungs showing equal results. For those unfamiliar with radiologic terms, ‘ground glass’ indicates that a hazy lung opacity presents on imaging that is transparent enough to allow the radiologist to make out the structure of underlying pulmonary vessels or bronchial walls. Although bilateral nodular and peripheral ground glass opacities can occur in the presence of other lung conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, patients with a history of travel to infection hotspots, or who have come into contact with other infected individuals most likely show these changes in response to COVID-19 infection, and should therefore be treated as a presumptive positive case.

Although Chest X-Ray can be used effectively to detect the symptoms of COVID-19, patients should also undergo viral testing immediately, when possible, to rule out lung conditions that mimic these ground glass opacities, but in the absence of proper testing capabilities, chest imaging results can be a very quick and efficient way of diagnosing presumptive positive cases and getting patients into quarantine as fast as possible. Benefits of using Mobile X-Ray for COVID-19 Diagnosis Stationary radiology equipment is just as effective at catching ground glass opacities in chest imaging studies, but there are a few drawbacks to this approach that make mobile x-ray better suited for the job. First, the size and volume of the radiology equipment that is used determine how difficult it will be to properly sanitize and disinfect. Mobile units are much smaller, and take less work and cleaning product to maintain. Second, because the virus can remain airborne for several hours, it is not advisable to bring a steady stream of symptomatic patients through a radiology room throughout the day. Because the virus is extremely contagious, one sick patient can infect several others. In fact, The American College of Radiology recommends that “Facilities may consider deploying portable radiography units in ambulatory care facilities for use when CXRs are considered medically necessary. The surfaces of these machines can be easily cleaned, avoiding the need to bring patients into radiography rooms.

If you have any questions regarding the use of mobile x-ray equipment to diagnose COVID-19, please contact us today.