Positioning aids have become an indispensable part of everyday radiology practice and play a crucial role in keeping patients stable and comfortable. In this way, they make a significant contribution to the successful and efficient conduct of examinations. There are many different types of positioning aids used depending on the application, such as belts, comfort cushions, covers, foam pads, and inflatable systems.

The demands on both staff and equipment are increasing, whether due to legal requirements or ever-higher patient throughput. Issues such as sustainable radiology are also becoming increasingly important. Although the diagnosis of infections does not take place in radiology, compliance with protective measures and hygiene regulations plays a crucial role in preventing infections. Regular and thorough disinfection of positioning aids is therefore essential to prevent infection during patient positioning.

The following blog discusses various factors that influence the selection of patient positioning aids, including hygiene considerations as well as other relevant aspects.

Why are regulatory requirements so important for positioning aids?

When selecting positioning aids, it is recommended that, in addition to their general suitability for the respective examinations, compliance with the legal requirements for medical devices also be taken into account.

In Europe, the CE marking is an important criterion for this. The marking ensures that the product complies with European safety requirements for medical devices and is therefore suitable for use on patients. Positioning aids come into direct contact with the patient during medical imaging and must therefore be safe and hygienic to prevent injury or infection. By choosing products with CE marking, healthcare professionals can ensure they have selected a product that meets European safety standards.

With the introduction of the Medical Device Regulation in May 2021, the requirements for manufacturers have increased significantly, even for Class 1 medical devices such as positioning aids. Manufacturers will be required to meet higher standards for the safety, quality, and efficacy of their products.

The aim of the “new” MDR is to progressively increase patient safety, whereby users are also held responsible for using medical devices with the corresponding declaration of conformity/CE certificate and verification documents.

THE "INVISIBLE" POSITIONING AID

In addition to CE marking and the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), radiolucency is also an important factor in the selection of patient positioning devices in radiology. "Is the positioning aid visible on the images?" is one of the most frequently asked questions. This relatively simple question has a relatively simple answer: "Positioning aids that are both invisible and perfectly hygienic do not exist." As soon as positioning aids are coated or wrapped in foil for hygienic reasons, they are no longer completely "invisible." Nevertheless, there are important aspects to this question:

Are positioning aids visible, or do they even cause artifacts on the various imaging modalities (MRI, CT, X-ray, etc.)?
Are positioning aids used in conventional X-ray imaging (where visibility is negligible in 3D imaging)?
Have the positioning aids been tested for a specific kV range?
In what situations are positioning aids used within the field of view?
Can a jagged edge be avoided by correctly positioning the positioning aid?

It is important that positioning aids be designed in such a way that they do not cause artifacts on X-ray images. Even though there is no such thing as an "invisible positioning aid," professional solutions enable safe and standardized use and minimize sources of error and unexpected issues on the images.

DURABLE positioning aids are indispensable

Another important factor when selecting patient positioning equipment is durability. A durable product saves costs in the long run and reduces the need for frequent replacements. Therefore, it is important to choose products that are made of high-quality materials and are designed to last a long time. A durable product also helps protect the environment and conserve resources, making it not only economically but also ecologically sound.

It is hard to imagine everyday radiology without durable positioning aids. Most patients rely on positioning aids to maintain a comfortable and safe position during diagnostics or therapy. Inadequate positioning can lead to physical discomfort and pain for the patient, which is especially important during long examinations.

Positioning devices are also often used in environments with strict hygiene requirements, where they must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. If the surface of the support is not durable enough, it can be easily damaged, increasing the risk of infection or injury to the patient. Durable positioning aids are therefore indispensable to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort during diagnostics and therapy.

Defective or damaged positioning devices should definitely be taken out of service to prevent the transmission of pathogens during patient positioning.

In the interview with Michael Bünte, an experienced radiographer, this topic is discussed in greater detail.

The key takeaways from the interview:

Regular disinfection causes rapid wear and damage to coated positioning aids.
Plastic bags or patient covers do not provide an adequate hygiene barrier, as they must be changed after each patient.
The use of plastic bags can cause unpredictable and variable artifacts or shadows in the exposure area.
Digital X-ray systems accentuate contours and edges (edge hardening). Therefore, it is increasingly important to avoid this source of error.

Cleaning and care instructions:

In the medical context, clear guidelines on cleaning, disinfection, and the correct use of positioning products are essential to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Manufacturers’ cleaning and care instructions should be based on the standards developed and regularly updated by national and international institutions such as the Robert Koch Institute, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cleaning and care instructions specify how the medical devices must be cleaned and disinfected and which disinfectants should be used. They also include recommendations for proper use, such as weight restrictions, duration of use, and intended use.

Users should be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning and disinfecting positioning aids to avoid damage to surfaces and to ensure residue-free cleaning. For example, the following is recommended when cleaning Pearl Technology AG positioning aids:

Wipe down the product after each use to disinfect the surface.
The cleaning agent should never be sprayed directly onto the product.
Approved disinfectants can be found in the cleaning
recommendation for the respective product on the homepage.
Do not sterilize these products.

All Pearl Technology AG positioning aids are made of a smooth, durable TPU film. It is very easy to clean without leaving any residue and can even withstand strong disinfectants, such as those with a 90% alcohol concentration.

CONCLUSION

In summary, it can be said that positioning aids in radiology play a crucial role in preventing infection risks. Proper cleaning and disinfection of positioning devices in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions can eliminate sources of infection. It is also important to use durable positioning devices to prevent rapid wear and damage, which can increase the risk of infection and injury. It is essential to follow clear guidelines in the medical setting for cleaning and disinfection, as well as the correct use of positioning materials, to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Overall, all steps to prevent infection risks in patient positioning should be carefully followed to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients.

Credits to: Michael Bünte, radiographer, for preparing the content (https://mtrnrw.de).

About PEARL TECHNOLOGY

Pearl Technology AG, based in Schlieren, offers innovative solutions for the positioning and immobilization of patients in radiology and radiation therapy. The products are manufactured in Switzerland in accordance with ISO 13485 and are characterized by ease of use, high patient comfort, and excellent hygiene, ensuring smooth and safe examination procedures.

Downloadmore information about our patient positioning solutions for radiology and nuclear medicine, orcontact usdirectly to learn more about our patient positioning solutions.

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Source: This article is a reprint, with permission, of the original blog post published by Pearl Technology.
Link to the original article: Patient Positioning in Radiology – Pearl Technology

IMPORTANT CRITERIA FOR SELECTING APPROPRIATE POSITIONING AIDS