Emergency/STAT refers to the high-priority and critical medical cases that require immediate medical intervention. For emergency/STAT cases, the radiological imaging must be quick with short turnaround times (TAT). However, in emergency cases, there may be a lack of on-site radiologists. This problem is tackled by emergency/STAT reporting services. These services offer remote interpretation of radiological services by specialty and subspecialty experts.
The different categories of radiological imaging involved in Emergency/STAT reporting are explained below:
X-ray imaging is the primary radiological method used to evaluate the abnormalities in emergency/STAT cases. It is a rapid method of evaluation and can also be performed portably in ICUs and ERs. It is a simple and convenient method of imaging that results in grayscale 2D images that can immediately present physical abnormalities. X-ray imaging is excellent for visualizing hard tissue like bones and joints but is not as effective for soft tissue. It can be used to observe and analyze traumas and is subcategorized into different types based on the anatomy under assessment. Some of the examples of different types of x-rays are chest X-rays (chest trauma, pneumothorax, acute lung pathology), trauma X-rays (fractures, dislocations), abdominal X-rays (bowel obstruction, perforation), line and tube position checks (endotracheal tube, nasogastric tube, central lines), and portable bedside X-rays (ICU/ER).
After x-rays, a CT is the most common imaging method used in Emergency/STAT cases. It is more advanced than X-rays, as it produces high-quality 3D images of organs and systems that can be observed through multiple planes. Just like x-rays, CT uses ionizing radiation to capture multiple 2D images from various angles of the area of interest. These 2D images are then reconstructed into a sharp 3D image, which can better represent the anatomical condition. It has higher diagnostic accuracy than x-rays and can be used as a diagnostic tool where x-ray imaging provides inconclusive results. Based on the assessed region, CT is also subdivided into different types. These subcategories are non-contrast CT brain (acute stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, head trauma), CT trauma protocol or polytrauma CT, CT chest (pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, trauma), CT abdomen and pelvis (acute abdomen, perforation, appendicitis), CT angiography (stroke, active bleeding, vascular injury), and CT spine (acute fractures, spinal trauma).
Ultrasound makes use of high-frequency sound waves to visualize the internal structure of the body. It works on the principle that each tissue reflects back a unique frequency of sound waves owing to its tissue composition and density. It is a rapid method and can also be portable, which makes it an ideal emergency/STAT imaging modality. This is also a preferred method of analysis, as it does not cause radiation exposure, which makes it excellent for children and pregnant women. It is also unique by the fact that ultrasound can facilitate real-time visualization of certain structures in the human body. It is adapted to suite the requirements of different emergency/STAT scenarios, such as FAST or eFAST (trauma – free fluid, hemoperitoneum, pneumothorax), emergency abdominal ultrasound (cholecystitis, hydronephrosis), obstetric emergencies (ectopic pregnancy, fetal distress), Doppler ultrasound (deep vein thrombosis, testicular torsion), and bedside point-of-care ultrasound.
When a patient arrives at the emergency unit, they are attended by the physician.
Based on the patient’s condition, the case can be placed under the routine, urgent, or emergency/STAT category.
The physician evaluates the patient’s condition and records the signs and symptoms, clinical history, etc.
Based on the acquired clinical data, a suitable imaging modality is selected.
For emergency/STAT cases, the modality must rapid and have a simple procedure for minimum turnaround time (TAT)
For the imaging of an emergency/STAT patient, the preparatory procedures are minimal to save time. These typically include checking the vitals like heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and any prior medication use.
The radiological examination is carried out by the on-site technician.
The standard protocols for emergency/STAT radiological procedures are followed for maximum efficiency.
At the end of the radiological examination, the images obtained are reviewed for quality.
The obtained images are sent to Statim Healthcare along with relevant clinical data.
Based on the case details and imaging modality selected, an appropriate radiologist is assigned to the case.
The radiologist carefully observes the images for abnormalities like lesions, excess growth, organ rupture, hemorrhage, etc.
These findings are correlated with the patient’s clinical data to accurately determine the etiology of the disease.
Once the cause of the clinical presentation is determined, the radiologist prepares a report encompassing these findings.
In emergency/STAT conditions, a preliminary report is prepared that contains concise information relevant for a medical intervention.
If the situation requires, the radiologist may communicate the results verbally with the consulting physician.
The preliminary report is then electronically signed by the radiologist and encrypted. It is then sent to the hospital via a secure delivery system.