- Increased levels of cleanliness for staff as well as facilities
- Mandatory use of PEE for all staff involved with endoscopy procedures
- Ultraviolet and ozone cleaning treatments on endoscopy equipment
- Possible chest CT for patients if physician believes this measure is needed
- Possible SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing for patients if physician believes this measure is needed

Ohio State University, Columbus

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, endoscopy procedures that pertain to IBD have much more stringent requirements and safety protocols in place. Unfortunately, many patients who suffer from IBD are at an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 due to treatments associated with the disorder. Additionally, endoscopy can be classified as a high risk mode of transmission due to the high risk of aerosol generating actions from patients, such as coughing or gagging.

New Endoscopic Practices Due to COVID-19

Iacucci, Cannatelli et al. "Endoscopy in inflammatory bowel diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period," The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, vol. 5, 6 (2020): 598-606, doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(20)30119-9

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468125320301199

Endoscopy in inflammatory bowel diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period

- A new diagnosis of moderate to severe IBD accompanied by additional testing if additional COVID-19 symptoms are present
- Severe acute flare-up of ulcerative colitis determined from diagnosis of a physician
- Sub-acute obstruction in patients with IBD
- Worsening cholangitis and jaundice in patients with IBD and PSC

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