Prospective evaluation of emergency physician performed bedside ultrasound to detect acute appendicitis.

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of emergency physicians using bedside ultrasound to detect appendicitis (BUSA).

Methods: Patients presenting to the emergency department with a clinical suspicion of appendicitis were prospectively enrolled and received a 5-min BUSA. Patients received routine work-up for acute appendicitis as deemed appropriate by the attending physician.

Accuracy of ED Bedside Ultrasound for Identification of gallstones: retrospective analysis of 575 studies.

Study Objective: To determine the ability of emergency department (ED) physicians to diagnose cholelithiasis with bedside ultrasound.

Methods: ED gallbladder ultrasounds recorded over 37 months were compared to radiology ultrasound interpretation.

Results: Of 1,690 ED gallbladder ultrasound scans performed during this period, radiology ultrasound was performed in 575/1690 (34%) cases.

Educational assessment of medical student rotation in emergency ultrasound.

Background: Medical student ultrasound education is sparse. In 2002, we began the first medical student rotation in emergency ultrasound.

Objective: To evaluate if medical students can learn and retain sonographic skills during a two- or four-week elective.