AGA issues Guideline on endoscopic procedures during COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has the potential to be transmitted during gastrointestinal procedures, via aerosolized droplets from the posterior pharynx and bronchioles, and possibly via fecal shedding. The American Gastroenterological Association has issued recommendations to mitigate risk to endoscopy personnel, based on a systematic review of the literature.
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released its latest guidelines on endoscopic procedures during coronavirus pandemic. There is a critical need to protect the healthcare workforce as we endure the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. American Gastroenterological Association recommendations emphasize the increased use of personal protective equipment while performing endoscopy.
The Key Recommendations include
- All gastrointestinal (GI) procedures should be triaged by trained personnel and rescheduled if not time-sensitive. This includes most screening and surveillance colonoscopies.
- The healthcare workers performing upper or lower GI procedures should use the N95 mask, regardless of a patient's COVID-19 status. Alternatives are the N99 mask and powered air-purifying respirators.
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