We continue to read new journal articles confirming the benefits of point-of-care ultrasound to screen, diagnose and monitor COVID-19 patients. The latest? A statement from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recognizes the value and prevalence of POCUS on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.
ASE confirms that « the rapid, bedside assessment of the heart, chest, and vessels using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has propelled this tool to the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic … to obtain real-time information for management decisions. »
ASE Statement on Point-of-Care Ultrasound during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
Here are highlights from the ASE journal article.
- When POCUS is used to triage patients to determine need for subsequent imaging, this reduces exposure to other personnel and conserves PPE.
- Meticulous cleaning of POCUS devices is critical – protocols are outlined for PPE implementation for sonographers and machine cleaning, which include moving traditional, cart-based systems to a separate, isolated location.
- Archiving, storage and documentation of POCUS exams is highly recommended to monitor deterioration of COVID-19 patients.
- POCUS must be performed and interpreted by clinicians with the right skill set – teleconsulting tools may be helpful for guidance and supervision.
You can read the full paper here.
4 Reasons to Use Clarius for COVID-19
Handheld ultrasound is being touted as the ultimate POCUS system to screen and monitor COVID-19 patients. Wireless and easy to encase and clean, Clarius HD is at the top of the list for many clinicians.
#1. Cleaning and disinfection
Since Clarius systems are IPX7 rated, they’re waterproof and fully immersible for disinfection. Just remove the battery first. Here you can review the long list of cleaners and disinfectants that are qualified for use with the Clarius Scanner.
#2. Encasing the scanner
Clarius has no cords so you can place the wireless scanner and your smart device in a sterile bag to avoid contamination. If resources are scarce due to COVID-19, Clarius can also be encased in any airtight plastic bag such as Ziploc. Don’t forget to put gel in the bag before sealing. Watch this 15 second video to see how to scan with Clarius using a Ziploc bag.
#3. Guidance for novice users
Are you working with novice ultrasound users or need a second opinion? You can use Clarius Live Telemedicine to help guide, monitor and review exams from anywhere in real-time.
#4. Storing your clinical images
« Given the potential for deterioration in patients with COVID-19, » warns ASE, « every attempt should be made to store, archive and document POCUS results to allow image comparison. » With no-subscription pricing, every Clarius scanner comes with free cloud storage and exam management. You can send exams to any DICOM-compliant server, store exams on your phone or upload them to the cloud.
Already have a Clarius HD? You’re invited to watch a 4-minute video with Daniel Kim, MD FRCPC on how to perform a lung examination with ultrasound.
Need Clarius HD? You can contact us anytime to discuss how Clarius can help with your fight against COVID-19!
