Radiography of Isolation Patients
To maintain strict isolation while making a radiographic exposure, two technologists are required. The technologists should have the mobile unit and the correct number of image receptors (IR) prepared before entering the room, regardless of the type of isolation room. A plastic covering will be needed in order to protect the IR and the patient from contamination. The method described below specifies strict isolation, but variations are followed for other classifications of isolation.
You can use the "clean tech", "dirty tech" technique.
One Technologist will stay clean by only touching the radiographic equipment (only the objects that have not been contaminated). The other technologist will be the one touching the patient and the covered image receptor (both contaminated items). This way everything will not be contaminated.
1. Remove your watch and any rings you are wearing. Pin them to your uniform or put them in your pocket.
2. Push the mobile unit into the room. Have an IR housed in a protective case and ready for use.
3. Wash your hands.
4. There will be disposable masks, gowns, caps and gloves available.
5. A head covering is required for long hair and regardless of hair length if dealing with patients with certain specific diseases.
6. Remove a mask from the container and put it on. Do not wear the same mask for more than 20 minutes. After that time, it has become contaminated and you are no longer protected.
7. Take a clean gown (gowns should be folded in the same manner as surgical scrub gowns). Hold it at the neck and let it unfold.
8. Put both arms into the sleeves of the gown and work it on. Do not touch the outside of the gown.
9. Use one covered hand to pull on the sleeve. Then pull on the other sleeve.
10. Tie the neck ties of the gown. Be certain that the gown covers your clothing.
11. Tie the waist ties of the gown.
12. Put on gloves.
13. Approach the patient and greet him. Explain what you must do.
14. Place the IR under the patient.
15. Adjust the machine. Make the necessary exposures.
16. When the exposures are made, have your assistant waiting outside the door. Fold the cuff of the protective case back so that the edge of the IR is free. Do not touch the outside of the protective case.
17. Your assistant should grasp the IR and remove it from the case. Make the patient comfortable.
18. Pull and tear gown to remove and fold it forward so that the inside of the gown is facing outside.
19. Remove gloves
20. Drop the soiled gown and gloves into the receptacle prepared for it.
21. Untie mask ties. Hold the mask only by the strings and dispose of it.
22. Remove cap without touching your hair and dispose of it.
23. Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Do not touch faucet handles with bare hands. Use paper towels.
24. Leave the room. Cleanse the mobile unit thoroughly with an antiseptic solution.
25. Wash your hands once again.