Standardizing practice patterns for venous insufficiency ultrasound.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the variability in practice patterns associated with the performance of duplex ultrasound (DUS) for venous insufficiency.

Methods: Sonographers participated in a survey regarding patient positioning and method of augmentation as well as the availability of ergonomic equipment for DUS.

Results: DUS was performed in RT position by 41% of sonographers versus standing position in 40%. In 18% of laboratories, if the RT position did not demonstrate reflux, the study was repeated in the standing position. An automated cuff inflation device was used as the primary method of augmentation in only 22% of practices.

Conclusions: There is a lack of standardization for the performance parameters of patient position and method of augmentation in VDU, which may lead to variation in the results between sonographers and institutions.