Considerations before resuming outpatient MRI services during a pandemic; practical steps to optimise patient and staff safety

The SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is responsible for the outbreak of the new disease COVID-19. Knowledge is still developing about how this pathogen can spread and be contained. Government lockdown measures, which started on March 23, 2020, gave rise to the cancellation of elective MRI scanning. Departments now need to plan and implement safe ways to manage new and backlogged waiting lists. A preparedness plan implementing a hierarchy of controls is urgently required. There is an expectation that any scheme proposed should have the flexibility to adapt to local circumstances. Suggestions to review and consider are contained within a seven-step pathway and an explanatory table. An associated table, containing results of testing of respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) by groups in the UK and Ireland is also included with the resource.

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