Imaging and COVID-19: Preparing the radiologist for the pandemic

Abstract

Diagnosing COVID-19 cases poses a challenge. The viral nucleic acid detection using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the standard of reference. As the world is hit by this pandemic, the health resources are facing tremendous pressure. Though imaging has a role to play in the management of COVID-19, one must judiciously use the health and imaging resources which would take us a long way in combating this pandemic. In this article we will discuss the role of imaging in management of COVID-19 infection. Imaging guidelines are also given that will aid in precise communication with other health-care providers and efficient use of health resources.