Table 2.

Proposed disciplines for nuclear medicine services in SARS-CoV-2 patients

SARS-CoV-2 positive patients
They should attend the department only under threatening circumstances, including level 1 and probably level 2
For SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, after discussion with their referring clinicians, nuclear medicine tests should be performed under intensified disinfect protocols
Schedule the patient as the last case of the morning or afternoon session
If possible, set a dedicated camera for symptomatic/confirmed patients with COVID-19 infection
The patient should be transferred immediately into the scan room and not left waiting anywhere
Additional PPE should be followed by all personnel (particularly in ventilation studies)
Two technologists are desired, one to attend the patient with full PPE, and the other to operate the scanner
Thorough disinfection of all imaging equipment and surfaces is mandatory (with separate cleaning equipment)[3]
To ensure proper ventilation and adequate air circulation of the imaging room, a time delay should be considered before the next patient (recommended at least 60 min; follow national/institutional guidelines)[17,18,19]
For SARS-CoV-2 patients at level 3 and 4, the procedure should be postponed and rebooked, even if the patient has attended the center[9]
On the detection of CT findings associated with COVID-19 pneumonia in asymptomatic patients who have undergone hybrid PET-CT or SPECT-CT imaging
Take a brief directed clinical and contact history from the patient, to exclude other differential diagnosis
Inform the referring physician immediately, for appropriate management per local guidelines
Thorough disinfection of all imaging equipment and surfaces is mandatory (with separate cleaning equipment)[3]
To ensure proper ventilation and adequate air circulation of the imaging room, a time delay should be considered before the next patient (recommended at least 60 min; follow national/institutional guidelines)[17,18,19]

PPE: Personal protective equipment; CT: Computed tomography; PET: Positron emission tomography; SPECT: Single-photon emission computed tomography