[No hocus POCUS: high standards should be set for point-of-care ultrasonography].

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) was initially limited to simple applications such as diagnosing ascites, sampling pleural fluid and guiding venous access. Use of POCUS is currently on the rise. As radiologists, we endorse the use of ultrasonography as the stethoscope of the future, but we make some critical comments. The interpretation of ultrasonographic findings can have far-reaching therapeutic implications. The patient is therefore entitled to maximum ultrasonographic expertise. Intensive hands-on training starting in early medical school is mandatory and central archiving of ultrasonographic images and reports is essential.