Is Bigger Really Better? Comparison of Ultraportable Handheld Ultrasound with Standard Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Evaluating Safe Site Identification and Image Quality prior to Pleurocentesis.

Background: Pleural effusions remain a common medical problem which often requires diagnostic pleurocentesis to determine the underlying cause. Pleurocentesis is a frequently performed procedure worldwide with improved safety using ultrasound (US) technology.

Objectives: This prospective, single-center study evaluated the use of an ultraportable handheld (UPHH) US compared with standard point-of-care (SPOC) US in determining a safe site for pleurocentesis.