Amid COVID-19 vaccine rollout, providers may slowly resume ventilation/perfusion lung scans
The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging recently indicated that providers can slowly begin performing ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scans again.
SNMMI said there have been significant developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, and its new guidance reflects the approval and active distribution of the three vaccines. Additional safety measures have also been incorporated to ensure V/Q scans can be performed safely, the organization said in an update to members.
“SNMMI believes that ventilation scans can be increasingly incorporated as a routine part of the workup of suspected pulmonary embolism,” the society representing some 16,000 specialists said on March 28.
Back in March 2020, SNMMI published a notification detailing the concerns and inherent risks of COVID-19 spread during ventilation exams. At that point in time, many organizations were not performing such studies.
And later that year in September, SNMMI issued an update, explaining that V/Q exams could be performed in some situations given the increased availability of COVID-19 testing.
The group offered up six things to consider before performing these tests, many of which are already included in everyday policy.
- Providers should consider COVID-19 PCR testing, as detailed under local policies or organizational guidelines.
- Technologists must wear personal protective equipment during ventilation studies.
- Personnel should evaluate air flow within the room to help determine the time needed between each exam.
- Clinicians should carefully consider the correct agent for each exam.
- Encourage local infection control groups to help guide and evaluate facilities and protocols.
- Completing perfusion imaging before ventilation, or vice versa should be determined based on the clinical situation and with the referring physician.
“SNMMI will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and provide updated information whenever possible,” the organization said in its statement.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.