Subsequently, this work may be completed by Reporting Radiographers. Though, it is possible that Radiologists will still be engaged with reporting CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reporting backlogs rather than be concerned with reporting Emergency Department (ED) COVID-19 CXR images. 11 Considering the logistical and infection control issues associated with transporting COVID-19 patients to the CT scanner utilising the CXR appropriately could help maintain uninterrupted inpatient throughput in CT departments.ĭepartmental workloads may well be reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the postponement of routine examinations from outpatient clinics and general practitioner referrals. In the UK however, CT scanning is reserved for seriously ill patients. 9 CT scanning was used in China as the primary modality for investigating COVID-19 10. It is suggested that positive CXR findings in patients with high suspicion of COVID-19 can negate the need for a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Therefore, an accurate chest x-ray interpretation is paramount in helping to guide the early diagnosis and treatment plan. 8 The CXR report may be available to clinicians before the RT-PCR result. 6 The CXR reportedly has lower sensitivity in early or mild cases when compared with the RT-PCR 7 with one study reporting 69% sensitivity. The CXR is the initial imaging investigation for all patients in which COVID-19 is suspected, 5 or patients with mild features of COVID-19 at risk for disease progression and patients with worsening respiratory status. The blood results are usually interpreted in conjunction with various other tests, including findings from a chest x-ray (CXR). A recent meta-analysis 4 describes blood tests that may also manifest as positive indicators of COVID-19, such as lymphopenia, raised C-reactive protein (CRP), and hypoalbuminemia. 3 Consequently, several tests may be undertaken before a positive RT-PCR result is achieved. The definitive diagnosis is typically made using the laboratory technique reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from a nasal and pharyngeal swab though, the positivity rates of RT-PCR specimens from these sites is reportedly only 32% and 63%, respectively. 2Ĭommon clinical signs and symptoms help guide clinicians’ initial diagnosis. 1 The Midlands region has the second highest prevalence of the disease in the UK, second behind London. At the time of writing, in the UK there have been over 290,000 positive cases and over 41,000 fatalities. The United Kingdom (UK) has experienced one of the worst initial waves of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
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