Task force recommends proper PPE for resuming motility procedures during COVID-19
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The American Neurogastronterology and Motility Task Force developed recommendations for resuming gastrointestinal motility procedures during COVID-19, which were published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
“The COVID-19 GI Physiology/Motility Laboratory recommendations provide guidelines for protecting staff and patients from COVID-19 simultaneously triaging diagnostic testing for patients within each GI Physiology/Motility Laboratory domain,” Jason R. Baker, PhD, told Healio Gastroenterology.
Full PPE use is recommended with social distancing and infection control measures when a procedure is performed in patients who do not complete a COVID-19 test.
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The task force recommends motility procedures be performed in motility laboratories that adhere to recommendations and personal protective equipment guidelines to protect the patients, ancillary staff and motility health care professionals.
The recommendations are not evidence-based but were based on societal guidelines for endoscopic procedures.
Baker and colleagues said patients scheduled for motility procedures should complete a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to their procedures and the results should be reported before the procedure is performed. Full PPE use is recommended with social distancing and infection control measures when a procedure is performed in patients who do not complete a COVID-19 test.
PPE recommendations for motility laboratory procedures include:
- N95 masks, double gloves, face shield or protective eye wear and gowns should be used for esophageal physiological procedures, antroduodenal manometry or colon manometry;
- N95 masks or surgical masks with a face shield or protective eye equipment and gown should be used for wireless motility capsule;
- N95 masks, gloves, face shield or protective eye equipment and gown should be used for gastric emptying breath test;
- N95 masks or surgical mask with face shield or protective eye equipment double gloves and gown should be used for anorectal function test; and
- N95 masks, gloves, face shields or protective eye equipment and gown should be used for hydrogen breath testing.
“The recommendations provide a guideline for GI Physiology/Motility Laboratory leadership to navigate, safety and scheduling, during a dynamic and fluid situation adjusted by local leadership regulations to maintain GI Physiology/Motility Laboratory operation,” Baker said. “These diagnostic test results provide insight for providers to determine adequate interventions to potentially improve symptomology and enhance quality of life.”
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