BMJ  2008;336:1041-1043 (10 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.39560.444468.AD

Feature

Medical Imaging

Everyone’s a radiologist now

¹ London

Are ultrasound machines truly the stethoscope of the 21st century? Should all doctors keep one in their back pocket? Jacqui Wise reports on the battle over ultrasound imaging

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Ultrasound machines were once the size of washing machines and used solely by radiologists and sonographers working in radiology departments. But in the past 10 years they have become cheaper, smaller, and more portable—the latest models are even pocket sized.

As a result ultrasound machines are increasingly used by non-radiologists as part of the clinical examination or to assist in practical procedures such as insertion of a central line. The number of general practitioners buying their own ultrasound machines has also gradually increased. So is this good or bad news for patients?

Gill Markham, vice president of the Royal College of Radiologists, says: "The price of an ultrasound machine has come down enormously to £5000-£10 000 [6000-12 000; $10 000-$20 000] and as a result they are used much more widely. Ultrasound has a reputation as a simple, easy test. It is easy to do but interpreting the . . . [Full text of this article]

Training needs

Lack of resources

Royal College of Radiologists competencies for ultrasonography⁹
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Re: Feature Article-Everyone’s a Radiologist

bharat nanavati
bmj.com, 10 May 2008 [Full text]

Ultrasound training must for doctors

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bmj.com, 11 May 2008 [Full text]

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The FAST scan

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Beware misleading statements

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Ultrasound in the Emergency Department

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Probing Medicine

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Ultrasound and Emergency Medicine

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The ever increasing demand for ultrasound training

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Maintaining Competency

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Adquate training and support is essential

Naj M Rahman
bmj.com, 15 May 2008 [Full text]

Re: The ever increasing demand for ultrasound training

Jeremy A Stone
bmj.com, 15 May 2008 [Full text]