[Medical applications of ionising radiation for the diagnosis of coronavirus-associated lung disease : Statement by the German Commission on Radiological Protection].

Abstract

Issue: Since the start of the global pandemic, a number of publications have suggested using ionising radiation to diagnose a COVID-19 infection. Some proposals call for the use of computed tomography (CT) to screen for presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infections.

Intent of the consultation: With these proposals in mind, the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) agreed during its 307th meeting on 2 and 3 July 2020 to establish a working group aimed at evaluating the use of ionising radiation in connection with a COVID-19 infection. The working group focussed on radiological protection aspects with a view to using computed tomography to diagnose COVID-19. The group started its work on 5 October 2020. Although not commissioned by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), representatives of the BMU and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) were involved in the consultations.

Statement: The SSK issues the following statement: 1. The use of CT in asymptomatic persons to diagnose COVID-19 outside of approved studies is not evidentially justified. 2. Pursuant to Section 83 (3) of the German Radiation Protection Act, a CT scan for the diagnosis or follow-up of a COVID-19 pneumonia requires the prior justifying indication from a doctor with the requisite specialist knowledge in radiation protection. To this end, specialist medical associations provide recommendations based on up-to-date findings.