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Newsletter
Examining The Pediatric Transthoracic Echo Protocol [continued] |
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| ICAEL DIVISION NEWS | Winter 2009 |
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"Having a lab specific protocol ensures uniform lab diagnostic criteria. Everyone is on the 'same page' and held accountable for following the same standards," remarks Kathy A. Kendall, RDCS (PE), Manager and Technical Director of the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory of Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX.
The sample protocol provided on the following page is an example of what the ICAEL looks for in submitted technical protocols. There are various formats used in developing protocols and this is provided only as an example and not a format required by the ICAEL.
Download the protocol as a PDF >>
This protocol is an example of what should be used for all complete, normal studies. As abnormalities are discovered, whether 2-D or hemodynamic, appropriate attention must be given to these areas. |
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"Having a lab specific protocol ensures uniform lab diagnostic criteria. Everyone is on the 'same page' and held accountable for following the same standards."
-Kathy A. Kendall, RDCS (PE)
Manager and Technical Director,
Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory
Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX |
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After the study is complete, the sonographer confers with the physician who was observing the study to ensure that the exam answered all reasons for the test and that an appropriate number of clips were obtained to ensure correct diagnosis. A sonographer worksheet is written by the sonographer and is given to the reading physician only.
Conclusion
By providing a means for the systematic evaluation of each patient, a well-written, ICAEL-compliant protocol makes a complete, consistent echocardiographic evaluation possible, even with complex congenital heart disease.
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The ICAEL thanks Board member Kathy A. Kendall, RDCS (PE) for contributing her expertise through this article. Ms. Kendall is the Manager and Technical Director of the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX. Following twelve years as a Pediatric Sonographer at Texas Children's Hospital, she has for the past two years managed a staff of seventeen within the lab and has continued to oversee training of fellows and new sonographers at Texas Children's. She has been registered with the ARDMS since 1995. Having served since 1999 as a regular reviewer for pediatric echo labs seeking to obtain or renew accreditation with the ICAEL, Ms. Kendall is interested in becoming more involved in defining pediatric Echo laboratory protocols and promoting quality standards in echocardiography. |
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