Abbreviated Ultrasonography Examination Protocols for COVID-19 Patients: A Streamlined Process to Reduce Staff Exposure

Abstract

Objective: The primary goal of this article is to show that an abbreviated ultrasonography (US) examination protocols can decrease imaging time and staff exposure. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective cohort study in which 39 patients, positive for 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), underwent an abbreviated US examination protocol from April to May 2020. Radiologists, specializing in body imaging, created these protocols. Descriptive statistics were performed, including the mean duration of the abbreviated US protocols and the mean duration of the standard US protocols, as a control group. Results: The abbreviated US protocols resulted in a significant time reduction ( P < .05) compared with the regular protocol duration. Conclusion: As radiology services face this unprecedented pandemic, implementing reduced US protocols can result in safer practices decreasing staff exposure.