Post Graduate Certificate Courses

• Appreciate the fundamental physics principles relating to ultrasound including the piezoelectric effect, acoustic impedance mismatch, angle of incidence and other factors that influence imaging as well as the recognition and differentiation of various artefacts
• Recognise the importance of frequency and the way it impacts probe selection and imaging
• Utilise the various functions on US machines to optimise the scan and obtain measurements of relevant structures
• Hold and manipulate the probe effectively being mindful of ergonomics
• Identify the various artefacts. Be familiar with techniques to utillise friendly artefacts and eliminating or reducing unfriendly artefacts.
• Annotate and acquire representative images
• Be mindful of probe and machine cleaning and sterility
• Utilise key scanning concepts including perpendicularity, foreshortening, single component movement
• Issuing a formal report using the correct terminology
• Be aware of the role of Artificial Intelligence in POCUS

• Appreciate the risk factors, pathophysiology and epidemiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms and aneurysmal rupture
• Understand the anatomy of the abdominal aorta, the principal branches and the peri-aortic structures
• Appreciate the evidence based strengths and limitations of Ultrasound in scanning for AAA and rupture
• Be familiar with the current guidelines for management of AAA
• Confidently identify the abdominal aorta, IVC and vertebral body
• Evaluate the abdominal aorta in both transverse (TS) and longitudinal planes (LS)
• Measure the abdominal aorta correctly in both TS and LS
• Identify the main branches of the abdominal aorta
• Identify the upper abdominal peri-aortic anatomy including the liver, pancreas, portal vein
• Use alternative approaches when scanning the challenging patient
• Integrate ultrasound into the management pathway for AAA including rupture
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Recognise the sonoanatomy of the hepatobiliary system including the liver, gallbladder, biliary ducts and pancreas. Understand how different approaches and patient positions may optimise the views
• Use a structured approach to interrogate the various hepatobiliary structures including the liver, gallbladder, common duct and pancreas
• Diagnose hepatic pathology including lesions, cysts and cirrhosis
• Recognise dilated intra and extra hepatic bile ducts
• Identify and measure the Common Bile Duct
• Evaluate the gallbladder for pathology including calculi, acute and chronic cholecystitis and polyps
• Evaluate the pancreas for lesions or cysts
• Identify and measure the pancreatic duct
• Recognise the limitations of the scan and know when to refer for further imaging.
• Issue a report

• Appreciate the anatomy and normal sonoanatomy of the renal system including the kidneys, ureters and bladder
• Appreciate and Identify normal anatomical variants which may be mistaken for pathology
• Use a structured approach to evaluate the kidneys and bladder
• Identify perinephric collections
• Identify renal calculi
• Diagnose and grade hydronephrosis
• Evaluate renal cysts and cystic disease
• Evaluate renal solid lesions
• Measure bladder wall thickness, bladder and prostate volume
• Identify diverticula, evaluate bladder lesions and distinguish them from haematuria or clots.
• Confirm urinary catheter placement
• Recognise the limitations of the scan and when to refer for further imaging.
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Appreciate the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the 4 anatomical spaces which will be interrogated for free fluid including the right and left pleural spaces, peritoneum and pericardium.
• Recognise the application of the approach for both trauma and non traumatic clinical contexts
• Perform an eFAST/FAFF scan confidently and competently to identify the presence of free fluid in these spaces
• Understand the sonographic features of different types of free fluid to assist diagnosis
• Appreciate the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the pleura. Understand the rationale for lung sliding and the other pleural artefacts.
• Evaluate the pleura to identify a pneumothorax
• Identify the lung point to confirm and size a pneumothorax
• Understand the indications, sensitivity and limitations of eFAST scanning. Recognise when to refer for further imaging
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Differentiate between cellulitis and abscess
• Assess lymph nodes for benign vs pathological features
• Identify the sonographic characteristics of lipomas
• Perform a focused RIF scan to interrogate for appendicitis
• Appreciate the sonographic features of appendicitis
• Consider alternative differential diagnosis for RIF pain inc ilieitis and adenitis
• Normal sonoanatomy of small and large intestine
• Pathophysiology and sonoanatomy of intestinal obstruction
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Recognize the evidence base underpinning the use of US in central and peripheral venous access
• Understand the necessity of infection control measures and sterility
• Differentiate veins, arteries, nerves, muscles and tendons
• Evaluate the venous anatomy of the upper limb veins in a systematic way using ultrasound
• Assess peripheral vein suitability using the WASPS approach
• Identify and evaluate the radial and ulnar artery with a view to arterial cannulation
• Optimising probe to vessel alignment for access
• Utilise in-plane and out-of-plane approaches for guided vascular access and interventions
• Use ultrasound to confirm successful cannulation
• Apply the in plane and out of plane technique to other procedures including aspiration and biopsy