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
•  Appreciate the normal ratios of the cardiac structures to assist in the diagnosis of shunts and cardiomyopathy
•  Evaluate the systolic function/contractility of the heart
•  Identify pericardial effusions and recognise tamponade physiology
•  Issue a report

•  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
•  Lung Scores and their application

•  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
•  Differentiate veins, arteries, nerves, muscles and tendons
•  Identify the central veins used for central access including the Internal Jugular, the Subclavian and the Femoral veins.
•  Evaluate the venous anatomy of the upper limb venous system using ultrasound
•  Assess peripheral vein suitability using the WASPS approach
•  Optimising probe/vein 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

•  Appreciate the sonoanatomy of bone, muscle, tendon and soft tissues
•  Recognise the appearance of pathologies including fractures, contusions and hematomas
•  Evaluate head injuries for skull fractures and differentiate fractures from sutures
•  Evaluate lymph nodes and differentiate between normal and abnormal nodes
•  Differentiate cellulitis vs abscess
•  Diagnose paediatric hip effusions in the limping child

•  Appreciate the evidence base for IVC ultrasound in the paediatric population
•  Understand the impact of respiratory physiology on the IVC
•  Identify and correctly measure the IVC
•  Calculating the IVC collapsibility index and the IVC/Ao ratio
•  Identify which patients will benefit from fluid administration in cases of hypotension and shock
•  Recognise the limitations of IVC scanning
•  Image the bladder in 2 planes and acquire a volume measurement
•  Appreciate the evidence base for ultrasound scanning for appendicitis in paediatrics
•  Appreciate the anatomy, pathophysiology and sonoanatomy of appendicitis
•  Recognise the differences in sonoanatomy between other differentials including enteritis, ileitis and mesenteric adenitis
•  Understand the limitations of the scan