QUALITY CONTROL IN ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY REPORTING (PART A)

Abstract

For cardiac evaluation echocardiography is of immense importance. Easy availability, low cost, and portability lands it in the hands of novices at times. It has a learning curve and expertise must be obtained to keep the standard of reports high and reliable. The referring physician must be fully conversant with the indications of echocardiography. The echocardiographic machine should deliver images of high resolution and fully equipped with all the basic modalities. Availability of 3D (3-dimensional) imaging, tissue synchronization imaging and strain analysis are added advantages. Preliminary data of patient must be collected and the study should be recorded for off-line analysis. Finally, the findings should be narrated on a proforma in the form of a standardized report showing all the relevant features, especially directed to the query of referring physician, thus completing the loop.