Approved by the ACEP Board of Directors June 2001
This statement replaces one with the same title approved by the ACEP Board of Directors June 1997
Original statement, Use of Ultrasound for Emergency Department Patients, was approved by the ACEP Board of Directors January 1991

Read the complete ACEP Policy Statement on Emergency Ultrasound Guidelines 

Ultrasound imaging enhances the physician's ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat emergency department (ED) patients. Because ultrasound imaging is often time-dependent in the acutely ill or injured patient, the emergency physician is in an ideal position to use this technology. Focused ultrasound examinations provide immediate information and can answer specific questions about the patient's physical condition. Such bedside ultrasound imaging is within the scope of practice of emergency physicians.

Therefore, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) endorses the following principles.

• Bedside ultrasound evaluation, including examination, interpretation, and equipment, should be immediately available 24 hours a day for ED patients.

• Emergency physicians providing emergency ultrasound services should possess appropriate training and hands-on experience to perform and interpret limited bedside ultrasound imaging.

• The use of ultrasound imaging by emergency physicians is appropriate in clinical situations that include, but are not limited to: thoracoabdominal trauma, ectopic pregnancy, abdominal aortic aneurysm, pericardial effusion, determining cardiac activity, biliary disease, renal tract disease, and procedures that would benefit from assistance of ultrasound.

• Emergency ultrasound procedures and interpretations are standard emergency physician skills that should be delineated in emergency physician privileges.

• Dedicated ultrasound equipment within the ED should be considered optimal for patient care.

• Each hospital medical staff should review and approve criteria for granting ultrasound privileges based on background and training for the use of ultrasound technology and ensure that these criteria are in accordance with recommended training and education standards developed by each physician's respective specialty.

• Training in performing and interpreting ultrasound imaging studies should be included in emergency medicine residency curricula.

• Continued research in the area of ultrasound should be encouraged.

• Emergency physicians should be appropriately reimbursed for providing emergency ultrasound procedures in the ED.