Setting-Up an Echo Lab

Key References

Appropriateness Criteria for Stress Echocardiography

ACCF/ASE/ACEP/AHA/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR 2008
Douglas PM, Khandheria BK, FESC, Stainback RF, Weissman NJ, Peterson ED, Hendel RC, Blaivas M, Des Prez RD, Gillam LD, FESC, Golash T, Hiratzka LT, Kussmaul WG, Labovitz AJ, Lindenfeld JA, Masoudi FA, Mayo PH, Porembka D, Spertus JA, Wann LS, FESC, Wiegers SE, Brindis RG, Patel MR, Wolk MJ, Allen JM. 
Comment:
A report from the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) together with key specialty and subspecialty societies about appropriateness of stress echocardiography. The review assessed the risks and benefits of stress echocardiography for several indications or clinical scenarios and scored them on a scale of 1 to 9 (based upon methodology developed by the ACCF to assess imaging appropriateness).
Reference: J Am Coll Cardiol 2008; ahead of pub

EAE laboratory standards and accreditation

Nihoyannopoulos P, FESC, Fox K, FESC, Fraser A, FESC et al.
Comment:
Laboratory standards have been set by the European Association of Echocardiography of the European Society of Cardiology, in order to homogenize the practice of echocardiography in Europe and therefore ultimately, to protect patients. These standards have been developed for transthoracic, transesophageal and stress Echocardiography into two levels; the basic level, set to provide basic laboratory standards for an optimal clinical service and the advanced level, which is set to establish a fewer number of advanced laboratories in each country, where by in addition to basic standards, they may be providing extensive teaching and research.
Reference: Eur J Echocardiogr. 2007;8:80-87

Appropriateness criteria for transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography

ACCF/ASE/ACEP/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR 2007
Douglas PS, Khandheria B, FESC, Stainback RF et al.
Comment:
A report from the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) together with key specialty and subspecialty societies about appropriateness of TTE/TEE echocardiography. The indications for this review were drawn from common applications or anticipated uses as well as current clinical practice guidelines. Use of TTE/TEE for initial evaluation of structure and function was viewed favorably, while routine repeat testing and general screening uses in certain clinical scenario were viewed less favourably.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2007;20:787-805

American Society of Echocardiography minimum standards for the cardiac sonographer: a position paper

Bierig SM, Ehler D, Knoll ML et al.
Comment:
The three primary elements involved in assuring the competence of a cardiac sonographer (i.e. credentialing and formal education, technical competence, and continuing education) are discussed in this paper.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2006;19:471-474

The future of cardiovascular imaging and non-invasive diagnosis: a joint statement from the European Association of Echocardiography, the Working Groups on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Computers in Cardiology, and Nuclear Cardiology, of the European Society of Cardiology, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, and the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology

Fraser AG, FESC, Buser PT, FESC, Bax JJ, FESC, Dassen WR, FESC, Nihoyannopoulos P, FESC, Schwitter J, FESC, Knuuti JM, FESC, Höher M, Bengel F, Szatmári A, FESC.
Comment:
Advances in medical imaging now make it possible to investigate any patient with cardiovascular disease using multiple methods which vary widely in their technical requirements, benefits, limitations, and costs. The appropriate use of alternative tests requires their integration into joint clinical diagnostic services where experts in all methods collaborate. This statement summarises the principles that should guide developments in cardiovascular diagnostic services.
Reference: Eur J Echocardiogr. 2006 Aug;7(4):268-73.

Three-dimensional echocardiography: the benefits of the additional dimension

Lang RM, FESC, Mor-Avi V, Sugeng L, Nieman PS, Sahn DJ, FESC.
Comment: 
A comprehensive review of the published reports that have provided the scientific basis for the clinical use of 3D echocardiography. Potential future applications of the technique are also discussed.
Reference: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Nov 21;48(10):2053-69.

The role of the nurse in clinical echocardiography

Gilman G, Nelson JM, Murphy AT, Kidd GM, Stussy VL, Klarich KW.
Comment:
This article reviews the involvement of nurses in the practice of clinical echocardiography. Specifically, nurses monitor patients during transesophageal and stress examinations and establish intravenous access for sonicated saline, microsphere contrast, and medication administration.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2005;18:773-777.

The Working Group on Cardiac Imaging of the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology

Mertens L, Helbing W, Sieverding L, Daniels O.
Comment:
Guidelines from the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology: standards for training in paediatric echocardiography.
Reference: Cardiol Young. 2005;15:441-442

Digital Echocardiography Committee of the American Society of Echocardiography

Thomas JD, FESC, Adams DB, Devries S, Ehler D, Greenberg N, Garcia M, FESC, Ginzton L, Gorcsan J, Katz AS, FESC, Keller A, Khandheria B, FESC, Powers KB, Roszel C, Rubenson DS. Soble J.
Comment:
Guidelines and recommendations for digital echocardiography.
Reference: J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2005;18:287-297