As many of our partners have observed, COVID-19 has driven higher demand for chest imaging. Experts are supporting the use of chest imaging for patients exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 both for initial screening as well as monitoring disease progression. The increased demand leads to the opportunity for you to provide critical equipment for your customers.

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Chest imaging has expanded in several ways in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment:

• Many hospitals seek to triage patients outside, in an attempt to separate COVID-19 patients from others. With RT-PCR testing still often taking two days for results, some facilities have found that a chest X-ray (CXR) has utility. While it has low sensitivity, many positive cases of COVID-19 can be found based on the visualization of ground-glass opacities or consolidation.

• Although mobile x-ray is useful for such sites, given the shortage of mobiles, floor-mounted systems that are easily powered and installed offer an alternative solution. DEL MEDICAL has available both stored energy and single-phase generators that require minimal input power. In addition, tube, wall and straight arm stands can be plate mounted for easy installation.

• Mobiles are essential for ICU use to validate tube placement in ventilator patients and follow disease progression. Like other mobile devise providers, DEL MEDICAL has seen demand surge, and we are filling orders as quickly as possible. Many hospitals are also retrofitting existing analog mobiles with mobile, tablet-based DR systems such as the DELWORKS FIT.

• While CT has emerged as a strong diagnostic tool for COVID-19, use is limited in triage and for ICU patients. CXR can fill some of these voids. ACR has suggested mobile use, and the Fleischner Society has published detailed recommendations for the situation leading to CXR.