|
The IAC Standards
and Guidelines |
Click here for a printer-friendly PDF of the Adult
Echocardiography Standards |
2.1A Examinations
must be performed in a setting providing patient and technical staff safety,
comfort and privacy.
2.1.1A The
adequate performance of an echocardiogram requires the proper positioning of
the patient, the echocardiographic system and the sonographer. For this reason,
adequate spacing is required for inclusion of a patient bed, which allows for
position changes, an echocardiographic imaging system and patient privacy.
2.1.1.1A It
is understood that many echocardiographic studies are performed on a portable
basis, requiring performance of the studies in less than optimal conditions.
All studies, regardless of the location, must be performed with adequate room
for patient positioning and equipment use.
2.1.1.2A Patient
privacy must be assured with the use of either appropriate curtains or doors.
2.1.1.3A A sink and antiseptic soap must be readily available and used for hand washing in accordance with the infection control policy of the facility.
2.1.1.4A Establishment of and/or adherence to an infection control policy.
2.1.1.5A Adequate designated space must be provided for the interpretation of the echocardiogram and the preparation of reports.
(See Guidelines below for further recommendations.)
2.2A Space
permitted for storage of records and supplies must be sufficient for the
patient volume of the facility.
2.3A Instrumentation
used for diagnostic testing must be maintained in good operating condition. The
accuracy of the data collected by ultrasound instruments is paramount in the
interpretation and diagnostic utilization of the information collected.
Guidelines for equipment maintenance include, but are not limited to, the
following:
2.3.1A Recording
of the method and frequency of maintenance of ultrasound instrumentation and
digitizing equipment.
2.3.2A Establishment
of and adherence to a policy regarding routine safety inspections and testing
of all facility electrical equipment.
2.3.3A Establishment
of and adherence to an instrument cleaning schedule that includes routine
cleaning of equipment parts, including filters and transducers, according to
the specifications of the manufacturer. The cleaning schedule must be frequent
enough to allow for accurate collection of data.
2.1.1A Approximately 150 square feet is recommended for a transthoracic echocardiography exam room.
2.2A
Space should be provided for data evaluation, interpretation and discussion of
the study with the sonographer and/or referring physician as needed.