Post Graduate Certificate Courses

•  Appreciate the fundamental physics principles relating to ultrasound including the piezoelectric effect, the factors that influence imaging as well as the recognition and differentiation of various artefacts
•  Recognise the importance of frequency and the way it impacts probe selection and machine settings
•  Understand and utilise the proper terms to annotate images and report scans
•  Utilise the various functions on US machines to optimise the scan
•  Hold and manipulate the probe effectively being mindful of ergonomics

•  Recognise the value of the various cardiac views in evaluating different cardiac structures
•  Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in all cardiac views
•  Understand the changes in the cardiac chambers and valves during the cardiac cycle
•  Define the normal upper limits for diameters and ratio of the cardiac structures
•  Define the normal parameters for LV contractility
•  Acquire parasternal long and short axis, as well as subcostal views of the heart
•  Utilise a structured approach to optimise the various cardiac views and recognise the impact of specific movements on the cardiac appearance
•  Adopt the DEFG structured diagnostic approach to the evaluation of cardiac dimensions and function
•  Diagnose dilated aorta in dissection, dilated LA and dilated cardiomyopathy
•  Evaluate the systolic function/contractility to diagnose heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
•  Identify pericardial effusions and recognise tamponade physiology
•  Evidence base for IVC scanning
•  Understand the impact of respiratory physiology on the IVC
•  Identify and correctly measure the IVC
•  Define the maximal diameter and collapsibility index of the IVC in normovolemia and hypovolemia
•  Identify which patients will benefit from fluid administration in cases of hypotension and shock
•  Clarify when to transition to inotropes in shock cases
•  Recognise the limitations of IVC scanning and the impact of raised pulmonary pressures on its use
•  Issue a report

•  Perform the apical 4 and 2 chamber view
•  Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in these cardiac views
•  Adopt the DEFG approach to further evaluate the cardiac structure and function
•  Identify and grade left ventricular hypertrophy and recognise cardiomyopathy
•  Identify anatomical features suggestive of diastolic dysfunction
•  Use Fractional Shortening to estimate the systolic function
•  Appreciate the vascular supply of the different regions of the myocardium
•  Identify the different regions of the heart on the different views
•  Identify regional wall motion abnormalities
•  Appreciate the normal and abnormal sonoanatomy of cardiac valves
•  Diagnose and grade specific valve pathology using colour flow doppler

•  Evidence base for lung ultrasound
•  Anatomy and sonoanatomy of the lung
•  12 zone evaluation of the lungs
•  Use a structured approach for the evaluation of each lung zone
•  Appreciate the sonographic appearances of various pathologies
•  Integrate the findings with the clinical context to assist diagnosis

•  Appreciate the anatomy and sonoanatomy of 4 anatomical spaces which will be interrogated for free fluid including the right and left pleural spaces, peritoneum and pericardium
•  Evaluate the right and left pleural space, peritoneum and pericardium for the presence of free fluid using 4 views: right and left flank, suprapubic and subcostal
•  Identify the presence of free fluid in these spaces to diagnose pleural and pericardial effusions as well as ascites
•  Understand the indications, sensitivity and limitations of FAFF scanning
•  Recognise when to refer for further imaging.
•  Apply techniques to minimise operator variability and improve the comprehensiveness of the scan
•  Issue a report

•  Recognize the evidence base underpinning the use of US in interventional procedures vs a landmark approach
•  Infection control measures and sterility
•  Evaluate the venous anatomy of the upper limb venous system using ultrasound
•  Assess vein suitability using the WASPS approach
•  Differentiate veins, arteries, nerves, muscles and tendons
•  Optimising probe alignment for intervention
•  Utilise in-plane and out-of-plane approaches for guided vascular access and interventions such as aspiration
•  Use ultrasound to confirm successful cannulation

•  Define the lower limb venous anatomy
•  Differentiate veins from arteries
•  Recognise thrombus within the deep veins of the lower limb and differentiate it from other pathologies with a similar clinical presentation
•  Understand how to integrate US scanning in the clinical algorithm for DVT
•  Appreciate the limitations of US scanning for DVT and when to refer to radiology
•  Perform an ultrasound scan of the lower limb to identify deep venous thrombosis in the proximal deep veins
•  Recognise alternative pathologies presenting with LL pain including superficial thrombophlebitis, Baker’s cyst and muscular hematomas
•  Issue a report