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Siemens Healthineers Efforts to Address COVID-19

U.S. healthcare workers are dealing with an unprecedented crisis. We are here standing in support, from employee volunteers to donations and products that can support patient diagnosis and assessment. Our 13,000 North American employees, backed by 40,000 globally, are working to help fight COVID-19.
Mira Hackensack<br />

Stories from our people on the front lines

Erin Summers – a source for good
Erin Summers, a clinical education specialist in the U.S., was moved to make masks and volunteer on the front line as an X-ray technologist.

covid-19

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic

We are fully committed to supporting our partners in the healthcare system to provide the best possible care for patients.

Are you looking for COVID-19 related information? Please check out our dedicated content sections:

We’re here to help

We at Siemens Healthineers are committed to support front-line healthcare professionals and help them to deliver high-value critical care to patients at each stage of COVID-19 disease management: from diagnosis, to prognosis, therapy and follow-up.

Diagnostic testing & solutions

SARS-CoV-2

Detect IgM and IgG antibodies with SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibody assay

Recognizing the critical need for rapid and accurate diagnostic testing, we have developed a total antibody test - the SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibody assay1 which detects both IgM and the longer-lasting IgG antibodies in blood to help provide a clearer picture of infection progression. An antibody test can reveal if a person had COVID-19 even if they were asymptomatic or never diagnosed with the disease.

Laboratory Testing Tubes

Comprehensive lab testing to manage increased workload

Fast, accurate detection and monitoring for the variety of health issues that may arise as part of COVID-19 disease management are critical. Our comprehensive portfolio of systems and extensive menu in immunoassay, chemistry, hematology, hemostasis, molecular, and urinalysis, in conjunction with automation, informatics and services can help support the essential role of laboratory diagnostics.

Siemens Healthineers Atellica Solution & Dimension EXL200

Manage patients in triage locations

In order to help inform clinical decisions during the COVID-19 crisis, labs need systems that are easy to install and run with broad menus to test patients for other related or unrelated medical conditions that may exist. Our compact, integrated chemistry and immunoassay testing system3 provides a simple user interface to rapidly mobilize testing with quick turnaround times for certain critical tests. A disposable, sealed cuvette design may help reduce contact with potentially infectious sample mixtures and aerosols.

Blood gas testing for critical patients

POC Critical Care

Blood gas systems are used in the management of ventilated patients under respiratory distress.

The RAPIDPoint® 500e Blood Gas System and epoc® Blood Analysis System are essential analyzers supporting COVID-19 response efforts, where blood gas testing plays a critical role in managing infected patients and monitoring their respiratory distress. The analyzers integrate seamlessly into hospital networks with the Point of Care Ecosystem™, which offers remote management of operators and devices.

Imaging solutions

Computed Tomography (CT) images used in evaluation of infectious disease

Computed Tomography (CT) images used in evaluation of infectious disease

CT images can help physicians differentiate between various types of infectious acquired diseases. Viral acquired pneumonia (incl. COVID-19) can be characterized by different patterns of lung changes and their locations4. High resolution (HR) lung images (slice thickness <= 1.5 mm) are required for evaluation of such lung diseases. Based on experiences reported to us from other countries impacted by COVID-19, we see a need for one CT system for every 100 ICU beds. In addition, our mobile CT workflow provides the capability for technologists to maintain a 1.5 m (6 ft) distance from potentially infected patients.

MULTIX Impact

Evaluation of pneumonia with radiography

Radiography supports initial assessment of severity and monitoring of disease progression. Chest radiographs can show characteristic signs of viral acquired pneumonia. MULTIX Impact is a flexible, modular radiography system which covers a wide range of clinical requirements. Siemens Healthineers offers specific solutions for deployment in temporary COVID-19 diagnostic and therapeutic setups. These systems can also be installed in in stationary indoor and outdoor container solutions to provide access in high-demand or in isolated areas.

X-ray system for triage locations

Monitoring and triaging of pneumonia with mobile radiography

Mobile radiography systems help with the monitoring of disease progression in particularly severe cases. The devices can be driven directly to patients in the intensive care unit, for example, eliminating the need for patients to be transported through the hospital. MOBILETT Elara Max offers improved hygienic conditions thanks to fully integrated cables, and smooth and closed surfaces.

Cios Spin

Cios mobile C-arms – an option for lung imaging

Current literature suggests chest radiography as a staging or triaging option in COVID-19 patients.5 Mobile C-arms are not specifically designed for COVID-19 diagnosis. Cios Alpha and Cios Spin can provide high-quality chest digital radiography (DR) images6 when portable X-ray is not available. Cios mobile C-arms can be positioned flexibly according to the imaging needs in standing, sitting or lying patients. The systems offer smooth and closed surfaces and approved cleaning and draping protocols for infection control.

Ultrasound systems for bedside imaging

Fast, simple and mobile ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound provides a fast, simple and portable clinical imaging solution when scanning for Coronavirus. Ultrasound machines used today for COVID-19 include the ACUSON P500™, designed to support clinicians with ultrasound applications that include lung, cardiac and FAST exams, as well as interventional procedures at the bedside.

Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging hybrid devices support screening demands

Hybrid molecular imaging devices can be used as stand alone diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) systems to perform a full range of CT applications, including high-resolution lung imaging protocols. Hybrid imaging systems can thereby extend CT capacity during peak demand. High-resolution Biograph™ PET/CT and Symbia™ SPECT/CT systems can be used as stand alone CTs to aid in characterizing of lung changes.12

Radiation Therapy

Evaluation of pneumonia with CT simulators

Modern CT Simulators provide the same high resolution diagnostic capabilities as CT scanners in Radiology to help assess the severity of the lung involvement in COVID-19 patients.13 They have access to lung imaging protocols allowing the whole lung to be covered quickly.

Magnetom Sola Cardiovascular Edition

Magnetic Resonance (MR) images support physicians in detecting cardiac injury

Recent studies in China and Italy14,15,16 have indicated that myocardial injury is common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and is associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) can be useful in supporting physicians detect and monitor cardiac injury (e.g. myocarditis) as a possible complication of COVID-19, according to the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR).

To help perform comprehensive CMR exams, we offer a free, 90-day trial license for our standardization and automation technology, Cardiac Dot Engine.17

Truck

Deployable Modular Buildings

Imaging centers are under pressure to build conventional X-ray rooms in unconventional settings. Meeting the demand requires creativity, as radiology rooms are needed in parks, parking lots, and empty arenas. Deployable Modular Buildings give healthcare providers a flexible way to create temporary X-ray space in unexpected places. The transportable building accommodates the Siemens Healthineers Multix Impact, a radiography system that helps monitor disease progression in particularly severe cases.

Remote scanning & support options

Remote scanning assistance to ensure care continuity

Remote scanning assistance to ensure care continuity

Remote operations may also help reduce staff exposure to infectious patients and may allow employees, who are under quarantine, to continue working. syngo Virtual Cockpit enables remote scanning assistance to imaging personnel – regardless of their geographic location. Assistance can even be provided from home with a simple laptop.7 With syngo Virtual Cockpit, your best technologists can assist on up to three exams at once, distributing their skills and experience across sites in real time.
syngo Virtual Cockpit Lite offers remote scanning assistance from any networked computer within your facility, and enables access to one scanner at a time using syngo Expert-i.

Sharing image studies to expand reading expertise and capacities

Sharing image studies to expand reading expertise and capacities

Digital collaboration capabilities can enable staff to support clinical personnel in high-demand areas remotely and may allow employees who are under quarantine to continue to assist in reading images. Participation of expert radiologists located in different time zones can allow shared images to be reviewed efficiently. teamplay Images is a secure, cloud-based image sharing service for DICOM files.8 It provides access to imaging studies quickly and easily from desktop computers or tablets and enables secured sharing and discussion of relevant cases beyond the institution. teamplay Images is easily deployed through teamplay digital health platform.

A communication app for medical professionals

A communication app for medical professionals

Social distancing and the prevention of unnecessary exposure to germs are the most effective measures to protect medical staff, especially at times when demand is high. New, digital ways of augmenting communication and collaboration reduce the need for personal interaction. Join can help health systems to create new ways of working, aiming to protect staff and increase employee availability beyond physical locations. Join9 enables medical professionals to collaborate from anywhere at any time via chat, audio, video calls, and sharing of documents and medical images. Join is easily deployed through teamplay digital health platform.

Customer Services

Customer Services for your equipment resources

Customer Services can continue to support you 24/7. Our experts can use advanced troubleshooting technology to virtually assist you and your equipment. Additionally, teamplay Fleet online portal enables 24/7 performance and maintenance management of critical equipment.

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Education and Workforce Resources for Healthcare Employees

Staying informed and trained on current topics and supplementing staff shortages are critical during this time of need. Onsite education is now provided to you online enabling our customers to conveniently stay educated and trained on topics. Additionally, there are resources to supplement your staff shortages and offer relief to healthcare workers and providers.

Online education and knowledge resources on COVID-19

Online education and knowledge resources on COVID-19

As healthcare providers and care teams are looking for knowledge and education on equipment applications, imaging protocols, and examination workflows, we are continuously expanding our education and knowledge hub PEPconnect. Regularly we are creating new resources, including video tutorials, to share relevant information on best use for our pathway related equipment, as well as general information on COVID-19.

Enterprise-wide support & solutions

Rapid Activation Management Consulting Services

Consulting solutions for enterprise-wide challenges

Health systems and hospitals are facing unprecedented challenges that require rapid, enterprise-wide strategic shifts in order to provide the best care possible to patients affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. With our combined expertise in enterprise-wide solutions, and strategic and transformational consulting, we are here to solve for your immediate challenges and guide you through the rapid deployment of new strategies, workflows, and technologies. Example solutions include: Rapid Activation Management Consulting, Reimbursement and Payer Impact Projections, and Capacity and Demand Management.

CT and X-ray imaging where it is needed

CT and X-ray imaging where it is needed

Most COVID-19 centers are confronted with an immediate need to increase system capacity. To support in these cases, Enterprise Services from Siemens Healthineers offers simple and standardized solutions to optimize room preparation and planning for CT and X-ray imaging. We offer guidance and complete planning regarding radiation protection for imaging rooms aimed at being suitable for COVID-19 centers, e.g. modular building, implementation in exhibition area or similar approaches.

ECG Management Consultants

ECG Management Consultants – trusted advice on COVID-19

As your organization serves your community, ECG Management Consultants – A Siemens Healthineers Company – can offer support. We are providing accurate and actionable intelligence on COVID-19 preparedness and response as quickly as possible. Every day, our experts in healthcare strategy, finance, operations, and technology are sharing strategic and tactical, real-world approaches on how to help mitigate the effects of this crisis.

Additional Resources

SH covid19 Webniar

Webinar: A Contemporary Approach to Managing the Pandemic

Three experts from the fields of infectious disease, pulmonology, and radiology, share strategies for and learnings from dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

1
These SARS-CoV-2 molecular and serology tests have not been FDA cleared or approved. These tests have been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories. The molecular test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. The serology test has been authorized only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. These tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. Product availability may vary from country to country and is subject to varying regulatory requirements.
2
CE-IVD labelled for diagnostic use in the EU. For research use only (RUO) in the U.S.
3
Product availability may vary from country to country and is subject to varying regulatory requirements.
4
Walker et al.: Imaging Pulmonary Infection: Classic Signs and Patterns AJR:202, March 2014
5
Pan et al. Intensive Care Med 2020;46:573-575; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-020-05964-0
6
Gildea et al. J Bronchol Intervent Pulmonol 2020;27:153-155; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32209919
7
A secure VPN connection to the department network is required. Other appropriately trained personnel must be in the room to care for patient, position the patient, and manually start the scan.
8
The DICOM viewer is not intended for diagnostic display. Due to regulations data exchange between data center regions is restricted. The products/features/service offerings are not commercially available in all countries. If the services are not marketed in countries due to regulatory or other reasons, the service offering cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details.
9
Siemens Healthineers is neither the provider nor reseller nor legal manufacturer of the 3rd party applications in Siemens Healthineers Store. Any claims made for 3rd party applications and all warranty obligations are the sole responsibility of the legal manufacturer and not Siemens Healthineers. Additionally, the 3rd party applications mentioned may not be commercially available in all countries.
10
Service only available in USA and Germany (German name: MTRA on Demand), this is released for all in-vivo modalities, not for in-vitro.
11
Precondition: the equipment needs to be connected to Smart Remote Services (SRS).
12
Symbia T and Intevo Excel are not indicated for use as a stand alone CT
13
Fang et al., Sensitivity of Chest CT for COVID-19: Comparison to RT-PCR, Radiology 2020
14
Shi S, Qin M, Shen B, et al. Association of Cardiac Injury With Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Cardiol. Published online March 25, 2020.
15
Guo T, Fan Y, Chen M, et al. Cardiovascular Implications of Fatal Outcomes of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). JAMA Cardiol. Published online March 27, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1017
16
Inciardi RM, Lupi L, Zaccone G, et al. Cardiac Involvement in a Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). JAMA Cardiol. Published online March 27, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1096=
17
Not available in all countries.

The products/features and/or service offerings (here mentioned) are not commercially available in all countries and/or for all modalities. If the services are not marketed in countries due to regulatory or other reasons, the service offering cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details.

Due to high demand, availability in certain regions may be affected, please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for details.
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