Quality Control: Equipment and Laboratory Structure; Image Acquisition, Review and Analysis; Study Reporting

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Abstract

The proper performance of high quality echocardiography is dependent on complex sets of equipment and skills being utilized and performed correctly to insure that minimal standards are met for image quality. Quality in image acquisition encompasses standards for laboratory structure and organization, imaging equipment, credentials and skills of sonographers who typically acquire most images and the use of echo contrast agents as needed. Image interpretation is dealt with through physician credentialing and reporting through standards that include obligatory report content, formatting and timeliness. Resources are provided to assist with understanding the standards for each of the processes to insure a high quality echocardiographic study.

Keywords

Echocardiography Quality Laboratory accreditation Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Image interpretation Reporting standards 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Cardiovascular MedicineMorristown Medical CenterMorristownUSA
  2. 2.Department of CardiologyColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkUSA

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