COVID-19 or not COVID-19, that is the question. The role of screening criteria and point-of-care lung ultrasound in the triage decision-making process in an Emergency Department during the phase 2 of the COVID-19 Italian epidemic

In the COVID-19 era real challenge for Emergency Departments (ED) is to avoid spread of viral infection within so called “clean area” emergency room and hospital. Different protocols have been proposed adopted in EDs quickly identify suspected patients correctly manage these patients, all based on clinical epidemiological criteria. To best our knowledge, pre-triage decisional making-process first integrates interview with pointof- care Lung Ultrasound (LUS) performed triage area. The aim study assess sensitivity specificity screening and/or criteria, investigate role LUS decision-making process during “phase 2” Italian epidemic. Our confirms pivotal management entire ED, it demonstrates that further studies are necessary validate as tool promptly if combined a correct interview.