Minimum training for right upper quadrant ultrasonography

Learning Curve of Bedside Ultrasound of the Gallbladder

“…With the exception of one sonographer who misinterpreted two ultrasounds after performing over 30 ultrasounds, all other interpretive errors occurred in individuals who had performed 25 or less. Previous studies have implied that performing 10 ultrasounds may be sufficient, but a more recent study supports 30 ultrasounds before obtaining clinical competency (7,9). Both of these studies focus on interpretive errors only, with no discussion of technical errors.…”

“…There are three previous studies that explore the error rate of bedside RUQ ultrasound. Two prior studies on RUQ ultrasound focused on interpretive errors, with no discussion of technical errors (7,9). Only one abstract has been published examining some of the technical components of emergency ultrasonography (17).…”

“…These numbers are not based on scientific research and were proposed as a consensus opinion in 2001 and 2003, respectively. To date, there is limited research concerning the learning curves for emergency ultrasound, with most studies focusing solely on interpretive errors (7)(8)(9).…”

Emergencies of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas

“…[68][69][70][71] Minimal training to ensure competence includes at least 25 documented and reviewed cases. 72 False-negative results may occur more frequently with small stones (<1-3 mm), artifact from bowel, and gallstones impacted in the gallbladder neck or cystic duct. 73 Smaller stones may be better visualized with higher frequencies or harmonic imaging.…”

Physician-performed Focused Ultrasound: An Update on Its Role and Performance

“…Previous studies have shown that emergency department bedside ultrasonography (EUS) performed by EPs had a good agreement with the radiologists in detecting cholelithiasis; however, the EPs in these studies had varying degrees of experience [15,16]. A pilot study by Jang et al [17] assessed resident-performed US of the RUQ and concluded that 10 US examinations as a minimum standard for the training or credentialing of EPs performing RUQ US examinations are not sufficient. Gaspari et al [18] reported that 25 US examinations of the gallbladder were sufficient for evaluating clinicians' competency.…”