Consensus seems to be building against using computed tomography to diagnose the novel coronavirus, with another major society urging physicians away from the modality as a first-line tool. 

The editorial board of Radiology has established a team of imaging experts who are actively coordinating, developing and implementing readiness policies for COVID-19.

Overall, mortality dipped by about 1.5% on average between 2001 and 2017, with the decline more pronounced among men than women. 

A group of four U.K.-based thoracic radiologists analyzed the pros and cons of ramping up computed tomography imaging amid the recent pandemic, editorializing their thoughts in the BMJ.

Imaging findings vary according to an individual's COVID-19 disease state, researchers reported recently, which can help clinicians develop effective treatment strategies.

The American College of Radiology is urging physicians to only deploy computed tomography sparingly, given concerns about specificity and infection control. 

The El Segundo, California-based imaging giant said it soon plans to begin working with Rad-Aid International, targeting low- and middle-income geographies that lack access to healthcare. 

The Royal College of Radiology, British Institute of Radiology and others said their guidance is based on mounds of evidence.