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

• Recognise the value of the various cardiac views in evaluating different cardiac structures
• Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in all cardiac views
• Understand the changes in the cardiac chambers and valves during the cardiac cycle
• Acquire parasternal long and short axis, as well as subcostal views of the heart
• Utilise a structured approach to optimise the various cardiac views and recognise the impact of specific movements on the cardiac appearance
• Adopt the DEFG structured diagnostic approach to the evaluation of cardiac dimensions and function
• Appreciate the normal ratios of the cardiac structures to assist in the diagnosis of shunts and cardiomyopathy
• Measure the aortic root, Left atrium and left ventricle
• Understand and apply Z score calculators
•  Appreciate the sonographic parameters of LV contractility
• Evaluate the systolic function/contractility of the heart
• Identify pericardial effusions and recognise tamponade physiology
• Evidence base for IVC scanning
• Understand the impact of respiratory physiology on the IVC
• Identify the IVC and evaluate the collapsibility index
• Define the collapsibility index of the IVC in normovolemia and hypovolemia in both ventilated and unventilated patients
• Understand the limitations of IVC ultrasound and the application in different paediatric clinical contexts
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Appreciate the evidence base for lung ultrasound in paediatrics
• Understand the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the pleura & lung
• Appreciate the surface landmarks delineating the 12 lung zones and the corresponding pulmonary anatomy
• Use a step wise structured approach for the evaluation of each lung zone
• Recognise the sonographic appearances of various paediatric pathologies including pneumothorax, pleural effusion, consolidation, pneumonitis and ARDS
• Understand the use of lung ultrasound scores in various paediatric contexts
• Integrate and contextualise the findings to assist diagnosis

• Image the bladder in 2 planes and acquire a volume measurement
• Utilise age based formulae or reference ranges for upper limit of bladder volume
• Appreciate the evidence base for ultrasound scanning for appendicitis in paediatrics
• Appreciate the anatomy, pathophysiology and sonographic signs of appendicitis
• Recognise the differences in sonoanatomy with other differentials including enteritis, ileitis and mesenteric adenitis
• Understand the limitations of the scan and when to refer for comprehensive radiology scan or 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 non traumatic clinical contexts including pleural and pericardial effusions, ascites, perforation and shock
• 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.
• Perform an FAFF scan confidently and competently to identify the presence of free fluid in these spaces
• Understand the indications, sensitivity and limitations of FAFF scanning. Recognise when to refer for further imaging
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Appreciate the normal sonoanatomy of bone and soft tissues
• Differentiate between cellulitis and abscess
• Assess lymph nodes for benign vs pathological features
• Uses ultrasound to assist in the diagnosis of specific fractures including skull, ribs and sternum
• Evaluate the hip joint for effusion in the limping child
• Identify foreign bodies
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Recognize the evidence base underpinning the use of US in 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
• 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 paediatric procedures