COVID-19 Technical specifications for portable ultrasound
Date
2020
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Publisher
WHO
Abstract
Description
This publication aims to define the basic technical characteristics of ultrasound portable scanners,
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The decision on appropriate clinical use of each of these devices is reserved for medical staff.
Diagnostic ultrasound scanners are medical imaging devices that use high-frequency sound waves to permit users to collect information on normal and pathologic appearances of patients’ internal and external organs.
Portable ultrasound scanners are designed for point-of-care (POC) applications. They can be battery operated, are relatively easy to use, and have capabilities and features designed for imaging assessments at the POC. However, since diagnostic ultrasound is a highly operator- dependent imaging modality, proper training is required to make optimum use of the equipment, produce diagnostic quality images, and interpret them correctly to make reliable diagnostic judgements.
Portable ultrasound scanners can speed patient management decision-making, providing more time-efficient and effective patient care. Diagnostic applications include: external imaging (e.g. abdominal, pelvic, lung, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal [MSK] and small parts imaging); intraluminal/intracavitary imaging; obstetrics ultrasound; and trans-fontanelle imaging in neonates/infants, among others. In addition to its diagnostic applications, portable ultrasound is also used to guide interventional procedures such as injection of medications, drainage of collections, and for a range of other applications performed by various health care providers.
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Keywords
COVID-19, Ultrasound