Southwest China s first CT shelter put into operation.

Workers install Southwest China's first CT shelter for the diagnosis of COVID-19 at Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital affiliated with Chongqing University, on March 3, 2020. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On Wednesday, Southwest China's first CT shelter for the diagnosis of COVID-19 was put into operation at Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital affiliated with Chongqing University in Wanzhou district.

The CT shelter is an independent outdoor systemic inspection unit that consists of a CT examination room and an operation room. It is equipped with a two-channel passage for the patient and the doctor to minimize the risk of cross-infection.

The medical integrated container, 9 meters long and about 3 meters wide, is made of an aluminum alloy, lead, bamboo carbon fiber board and other materials, which promote heat insulation.

"It is the first CT shelter for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in Southwest China," said Peng Ke, a medical engineer of the hospital.

"Equipped with CT equipment from Siemens and 5G technology, the shelter can transmit images and realize remote consultations for medical experts."

As CT examinations have become as one of the most effective and necessary means for COVID-19 diagnosis, the outdoor mobile CT shelter, smaller and much more flexible than indoor CT rooms, can play an indispensable role in the fight against COVID-19 with reduction in cross-infection.

"It takes 10 seconds with 4G transmitting images, which 5G can do in only one or two seconds," Peng said. "The shelter also can rely on 5G for cardiac blood flow imaging, which 4G cannot complete because of fast blood flow."

The first CT shelter for the diagnosis of COVID-19 was put into operation at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University on Feb 21.

Southwest China's first CT shelter for the diagnosis of COVID-19 is put into operation at Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital affiliated with Chongqing University, on March 4, 2020. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]