Medical Imaging and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Safety
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Researchers and radiologists at several prominent health care organizations are cautioning doctors that patients may experience swollen lymph nodes following COVID-19 vaccination.
Swollen lymph nodes are a common occurrence when vaccination prompts a strong immune response. On mammography and chest images, this can mimic the appearance of serious conditions like cancer. If you need to undergo breast or chest imaging, tell your doctor about your vaccination history prior to your exam.
You should also schedule your annual screening mammogram either before or at least 6 weeks after your final COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the need for additional testing. However, if you are having breast symptoms, do not delay your mammogram.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about COVID-19 vaccine side effects and whether you should reschedule an upcoming exam.
For more information about breast and chest imaging, visit our Radiology Department.
Is it Safe to Have an Imaging Exam Now?
As vaccines become more widely available, every state in the U.S. is beginning to ease lockdown restrictions. Hospital radiology departments, imaging centers, and other facilities are opening to increase the availability of general medical care, including imaging exams that were delayed due to the pandemic.
Radiologists and other health professionals share the public’s concerns about safety, especially when it comes to seeking medical care unrelated to COVID-19. In response to these concerns, the medical community is taking extra precautions to reduce the risk of virus exposure as much as possible.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about seeking medical care or undergoing medical imaging. In most cases, the benefit of medical care and imaging to your overall health far outweighs any possible risk of infection.
How is CCH Practicing COVID Safety?
Imaging facilities have modified their internal procedures to help manage the flow of patients and minimize the risk of COVID exposure. Safety measures may differ between facilities. Call the Radiology Department before your exam if you have concerns about how they will maintain your safety. The staff will likely:
Follow strict workplace safety guidelines, including staff PPE, social distancing, hand washing regimens, etc.
Conduct health checks at all entrances to identify all individuals displaying COVID symptoms
Limit or bar visitors to reduce possible exposure
Thoroughly clean exam rooms between patients
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration in exam rooms and allow time for multiple air exchanges between patient exams via air circulation
Regulate social distancing in waiting rooms and other spaces
Extend hours of operation and stagger patient appointment times to maintain social distancing and help provide time for thorough cleaning between exams
Always tell us before you arrive if you have any COVID symptoms and if you have been in physical contact with anyone who has COVID-19. This will help staff make your visit as safe as possible for everyone.
If you have COVID symptoms, the imaging staff will likely isolate you and make special arrangements to safely perform your exam. For example, some patients may be scanned within an isolation room using portable equipment. Chest x-rays and other exams may be performed through the glass window of an isolation room.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about COVID safety or symptoms. Many patients search the Internet for the answers to their questions. However, it is important to note that much of the COVID information on the Internet is false and potentially dangerous. Be sure to only consult trusted, recognized sources of credible information, such as RadiologyInfo.org, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CCH Is Open, Safe and Ready To See You
With almost 80 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in nearly 20 specialties, CCH is committed to your wellbeing right here at home. If you have been putting off a visit to your doctor for a regular checkup, contact them; they can help weigh your personal healthcare risk and avoid further delayed diagnoses.
Visit www.cchwyo.org/findadoc to find your provider or clinic.
