The impact of COVID-19 on diagnostic imaging (DI) procedures will not be as severe compared to other therapy areas, such as aesthetics and dental, since only 38.7% of these procedures are elective and expected to drop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Eric Chapman, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, says: “GlobalData approximates that 61.3% of DI procedures performed in the US are essential. The top essential procedures include diagnostic ultrasound of the heart, computerized axial tomography of the head, electrocardiograms, and coronary arteriography.”

Of the 38.7% procedures that are elective, the top ten procedures accounted for 55.7% of the total volume and include computerized axial tomography, ultrasounds, and arteriographies.

The CDC and the American College of Radiology recommended postponing all outpatient procedures including mammographies, CT scans, X-ray examinations, and many other radiological exams and imaging procedures that are not urgent. The cleaning and sterilization of instruments should be strictly followed and radiologists should frequently wash their hands.

Chapman concludes: “GlobalData expects the volume of DI procedures to return to pre-COVID levels by the end of June or early July. In addition, diagnostic imaging is vital to confirm diagnoses and for treatment, including the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 infections by chest CT imaging.”