COVID-19 pandemic: Cleaning and disinfection – What should the radiologist know?

The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS CoV-2, epi-centred in Hubei Province of the People's Republic of China, has spread to many other countries. On 30th January 2020, the WHO Emergency Committee declared a global health emergency based on the growing case notification rates at Chinese and international locations. As of 3rd May 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have confirmed a total of 26535 cases and 1223 deaths in the country since its first case on 30th January. Cleaning and disinfecting activities in hospitals are critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections. The purpose of this article is to consider the effects of COVID-19 on the imaging equipment, with particular consideration from the guidelines currently available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that may be applicable to radiology. [1] General principles to be followed while cleaning and disinfecting the radiology facilities and equipment are listed in Table 1. Various chemical disinfectants available in the market are highlighted in Table 2 and Figures ​Figures1,1, ​,22. Open in a separate window Figure 1 Chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection