Course Description
Radiologic technologists are exposed to many infectious diseases during their interactions with patients and coworkers. Understanding the varied virulence, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of these microorganisms, along with the means to prevent their spread, can reduce the incidence of infection, especially for those acquired in healthcare settings. Traditionally, infection prevention and control (IPC) has been of secondary concern to radiology department professionals. Training in such practices has been erratic in the past, and many workers have neglected the use of protective eyewear and other gear when examining patients. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, that began in late in 2019 and early 2020, has significantly changed playing field, making IPC a heightened priority throughout the healthcare system. Standard precautions have been promulgated by leading national and international public health agencies and professional organizations to ensure that all staff, equipment, and environmental spaces are properly prepared prior to patient encounters and then decontaminated following the intervention. These recommendations have been expanded to incorporate the special demands raised by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Following these guidelines can help reduce the transmission of infectious pathogens from patient-to-patient, patient to-healthcare worker, and healthcare worker-to-healthcare worker.

The purpose of this course is to inform the medical imaging professional of the means by which infectious pathogens are spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols, infected blood, and bodily fluids. Standard precautions are detailed, and current IPC guidelines updated as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic will also be explored, as will the core role the radiology department and radiographers must play in managing the disease's effects. This course will conclude with a review of several other relevant infections that can be encountered on a day-to-day basis when working in a healthcare environment.

Learning Objectives

After reading this article, the participant should be able to:

• Summarize the differences between infectious and pathologic disease processes.
• Explain the means by which infectious diseases are transmitted.
• Identify the standard precautions taken for infection control and those specific to Covid-19 prevention.
• Distinguish the features of the important infectious diseases encountered in healthcare facilities and radiology departments.

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Personal Development credits).

Texas indirect credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.