• Tuangsit Wataganara, Pornpimol Ruangvutilert, Prasert Sunsaneevithayakul, Anuwat Sutantawibul, Monsak Chuchotirot, Buraya Phattanachindakun, and Kusol Russameecharoen.
• Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
• J Perinat Med. 2020 Nov 26; 48 (9): 931-942.

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated infection (COVID-19) is affecting populations worldwide. This statement may serve as guidance for infection prevention and safe ultrasound practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultrasound examination is a fundamental part of obstetric care, yet it is a potential vector for transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Decontamination methods should always be implemented for ultrasound equipment, especially in the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. There must be workflow policies to protect pregnant women and healthcare providers from nosocomial cross transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Cleaning and disinfecting of equipment must be in accordance with their potential of pathogen transmission. Consider using telemedicine and genetic technologies as an adjunctive of obstetric ultrasound to reduce patient crowding. Patient triage and education of healthcare providers of infection prevention are crucial to minimize cross contamination of SARS-CoV-2 during obstetric ultrasound.

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