Point of care ultrasound 3-point compression vs departmental scanning for lower limb DVT in ambulatory and internal medicine patients.

Abstract

Point of care ultrasound scanning (POCUS) is safe and effective in positively identifying lower limb DVT in emergency departments globally. In the UK, the requisite knowledge and skills are integrated into the FAMUS and FUSIC curricula. Five FAMUS practitioners of varying experience performed 3-point compression POCUS on medical ambulatory and inpatients. Accuracy and timing of POCUS was compared between practitioners and with subsequent departmental scans. 89% sensitivity and 97% specificity were observed, with little difference between supervisors and candidates. Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of POCUS vs departmental scans (69% vs 7%, p = 0.0001) occurred within 24 hours of request. Minimal experience was required to produce accurate results within ambulatory and internal medicine settings, and significant time savings can be made.