SG-SAFE.R: Contactless Chest Radiography

INTRODUCTION: In Singapore, chest radiography is the primary imaging modality for patients with an epidemiological suspect of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). To ensure a sustainable radiography service, it is important to optimise the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) while addressing the risk of cross contamination in healthcare settings. This exhibit aims to present the process of developing a contactless chest radiography booth (SG-SAFE.R) to manage the surge in COVID-19 cases. The design considerations for the isolation booth and the new norm for performing chest radiographs on patients with COVID-19 will be discussed. METHODS: The main concern in designing the booth was material selection. Polycarbonate was chosen for its high radiolucency, low attenuation factor and ability to simplify disinfection. Prior to commissioning the booth, regulatory approval was sought for demarcation of safe radiation distances. Following the approval from the National Environment Agency (NEA), the radiography workflow and post-procedural disinfection processes were developed and approved by the institutional Infection, Prevention and Epidemiology Department. RESULTS: In a routine chest radiography set-up for patients with COVID-19, two radiographers in full PPE were required. With SG-SAFE.R, the procedure involves one radiographer and one assistant. The radiographer was not required to don PPE as positioning in the booth utilized verbal and visual cues, with no patient contact. Post-procedural disinfection of the equipment was unnecessary with the segregation of the mobile unit from the patient. This essentially reduced the average procedural time by 10 minutes. CONCLUSION: The innovation of SG-SAFE.R reduces the risk of cross contamination in healthcare settings. Such a deployment during a pandemic improves patient throughput while conserving the use of PPE.