Beekley’s single use, self-adhesive Right and Left markers offer a hygienic alternative to communicate anatomical orientation on x-ray images. Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend have repurposed the disposable orientation markers, using them to identify COVID-19 patients and enhance their cross contamination protocols.
Alex Wallace, Superintendent Radiographer at Princess of Wales Hospital, explains: "Originally we purchased the Beekley disposable orientation markers as an attempt to limit cross infection when imaging neonates on our SCBU. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we have repurposed our disposable markers to ensure all CXRs on suspected/confirmed COVID patients include an anatomical marker. This has eliminated the risk of radiographic markers becoming a fomite for cross contamination. The disposable markers are brightly coloured which prevents radiographers from placing them over areas of anatomical interest thus reducing the need for repeat imaging. They are also easy to use and can be stuck on the imaging detector prior to starting a procedure."
Beekley’s radiopaque L & R-SPOT markers are designed to provide permanent documentation on film ensuring anatomical orientation is permanently identified as "Right" or "Left". Their sanitary single use makes them ideal for isolation, trauma, neonatal and burn units. Using them on chest x-rays of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients has been an inventive way to improve infection control, enhance communication, provide permanent documentation and reduce repeat imaging.
When used over and over, permanent x-ray markers and the tapes used to secure them can harbour and spread opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria. Single use, self-adhesive, disposable R&L SPOT x-ray markers are the perfect solution when imaging immunocompromised and other patients at risk for infection.
Beekley R&L SPOT® markers are available from Oncology Imaging Systems Ltd.
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