Incorporating point-of-care ultrasound into the ICU

Ultrasound is rapidly becoming the imaging technique of choice in the initial assessment of the critically ill patient. It has become increasingly affordable, is more portable than ever, involves no ionising radiation and offers the potential of multiple dynamic examinations. This versatility has led to widespread adoption of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) by critical care clinicians. International consensus statements from all of the major critical care organisations have recommended that echocardiography and general ultrasound become core competencies in intensive care training; and, while this is available in some countries such as the Netherlands and the UK, it is yet to be universally adopted. In this article we will explore the indications, modalities and evidence behind POCUS in the intensive care unit (ICU).

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