Use of a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PUD) helps to reduce the need for further testing in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, reveal results from a study presented today at The International Liver Congress™ 2015.
The study evaluated the effectiveness of the PUD when testing for the following conditions: biliary-duct dilation, gallstones, ascites, splenomegaly, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, urinary retention, urinary stones, abdominal mass and aortic aneurysm.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound scan or sonogram uses sound waves to obtain images of the internal organs. Ultrasound scan is used during pregnancy and to examine breast, abdomen, renal and thyroid.
Advertisement
PUDs offer a comparable performance to standard ultrasonography, however the accuracy of a physical examination is often poor meaning that further tests are required. This study assessed whether adding the use of PUD to physical examination could lead to a reduction in the rate of additional tests.
Of the 1,962 patients included in the study:
726 (37%) were inpatients, 510 (26%) were hepatology outpatients and 726 (37%) were recruited from GPs
![Doppler Ultrasound Scan]( "Doppler Ultrasound Scan")
Doppler ultrasound scan is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate blood flow to our body. It is usually done for arms and legs, carotid arteries, brain and heart.
Gallstones (37%), ascites - excessive accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (17%), pleural effusion (13%), urinary stones (13%) and urinary retention (12%) accounted for more than 90% of the clinical questions, confirmed by PUD in 66% of cases
The overall frequency of further tests needed after PUD was 37%
The rate of agreement between findings of the PUD and additional tests was 89% This study found that after basic training, the use of a PUD offers a simple and effective way to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the number of tests a patient needs.
Source: Eurekalert
726 (37%) were inpatients, 510 (26%) were hepatology outpatients and 726 (37%) were recruited from GPs
Doppler Ultrasound Scan
Doppler ultrasound scan is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate blood flow to our body. It is usually done for arms and legs, carotid arteries, brain and heart.
Advertisement
Gallstones (37%), ascites - excessive accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (17%), pleural effusion (13%), urinary stones (13%) and urinary retention (12%) accounted for more than 90% of the clinical questions, confirmed by PUD in 66% of cases
The overall frequency of further tests needed after PUD was 37%
The rate of agreement between findings of the PUD and additional tests was 89% This study found that after basic training, the use of a PUD offers a simple and effective way to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the number of tests a patient needs.
Source: Eurekalert
MR Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound Reduces Alzheimer's Symptoms
For first time ever, researchers were able to decrease Alzheimer's symptoms with the help of MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound.
Advertisement
 Advanced Ultrasound Device To Be Launched By SamsungSamsung recently announced the release of WS80A, a brand new advanced ultrasound for obstetrics and gynaecology applications. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Medical Gadgets
Apart from monitoring basic health, the new apple watch series 9 features a new double tap gesture to control apps without touching the watch.
Our artificial olfactory system combines sensing and processing efficiently, mirroring the biological olfactory system's function for energy and space savings.
A portable, lightweight, and affordable exoskeleton designed for stroke patients promises expanded accessibility, particularly in areas with limited resources.
A textile-based wearable device that 'taps' a user's wrist with pressurized air, silently guides the person finding their way to their destination.
A device controlled through a mobile app, utilizing heat signatures and bacterial fluorescence, helps detect and address infections in wounds.
