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editorial
. 2021 Mar 3;116(3):659–678. [Article in Portuguese] doi: 10.36660/abc.20210133

Table 2. Use of personal protective equipment during cardiovascular imaging examinations in the COVID-19 era according to exposure risks.

TTE, CCT/CMR, pharmacological stress test (Echo/SPECT/PET/CMR) TEE, exercise stress test (Echo/SPECT/ scintigraphy)
Low risk for COVID-19

  • Standard safety level

  • Mandatory hand hygiene

  • Surgical mask

  • Protection against aerosols:**

  • Mandatory hand hygiene

  • N-95/PFF2 respirator*

  • Isolation gown (preferably waterproof)

  • Examination gloves

  • Surgical cap

  • Face shield; protection goggles when face shields not available

  • Ideally, place patients with COVID-19 in negative pressure rooms

  • Attempt to replace examination for an alternative method
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases

  • Protection against droplets

  • Mandatory hand hygiene

  • N-95/PFF2 respirator*

  • Isolation gown

  • Head covering

  • Examination gloves

  • Safety goggles
*

In case of complete unavailability of N-95 respirators or equivalents, wear a single-use surgical mask in addition to a face shield.

**

Also applicable to all examinations performed with patients admitted in intensive care units (ICUs), on invasive or non-invasive ventilation. These recommendations should be followed by all personnel directly involved in the procedure (physicians, nursing technicians, technologists, etc.). CCT: cardiovascular computed tomography; CMR: cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging; Echo: echocardiography; PET: positron emission tomography; SPECT: single-photon emission computed tomography; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography; TTE: transthoracic echocardiography.