Essentials for Setting Up Practice in Clinician Performed Ultrasound

Fig. 3.1

The transducer is the most fragile part of the ultrasound unit and should be protected from drop damage during storage and scanning

Fig. 3.2

During sterilization of intracavity transducers the transducer coupling should be protected

Setting Up the Ultrasound Room

The physical environment in which pelvic floor ultrasound is performed can have significant impact on a patient’s or sonographer’s comfort and indirectly affect the quality of images and interpretation of the scan findings. This is especially because pelvic floor imaging is often performed as part of functional/dynamic assessment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Both the examination table and the sonographer’s chair should ideally be height adjustable. The physical configuration of the scanning room should ensure that the clinician has ready access to the ultrasound machine, examination table, gel, towels and lighting controls (Figs. 3.3 and 3.4). Space for a support person (for the patient) or chaperone is also important especially when performing intracavity imaging.