AIUM Standard for the Performance of an Ultrasound Examination of the Abdomen or Retroperitoneum

Abstract

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is an educational, scientific, and professional society concerned with the advancement of the art and science of ultrasound in medicine and research. To promote this mission, the AIUM is pleased to publish, in conjunction with the American College of Radiology (ACR), the updated Standard for Performance of an Ultrasound Examination of the Abdomen or Retroperitoneum. We are indebted to the many volunteers who contributed their time, knowledge, and energy to bringing this document to completion.The AIUM represents the entire range of clinical and basic science interests in medical diagnostic ultrasound and with hundreds of volunteers, the AIUM has promoted the safe and effective use of ultrasound in clinical medicine for 50 years. This document, and others like it, will continue to advance this mission.Clinical Standards of the AIUM are intended to provide the medical ultrasound community with guidelines for the performance and recording of high quality ultrasound examinations. The standards reflect what the AIUM considers the minimum criteria for a complete examination in each area, but are not intended to establish a legal standard of care. AIUM accredited practices are expected to generally follow the standards with the recognition that deviations from the standards will be needed in some cases depending on patient needs and available equipment. Practices are encouraged to go beyond the standards to provide additional service and information as needed by their referring physicians and patients.