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Medstudent POCUS has created a quick-look page for emergency clinicians using POCUS in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last update: 6/29/2021Please e-mail director@medstudentpocus.com if you have something you'd like us to add, edit, or review!
4 TAKE-HOME POINTS
4 TAKE-HOME POINTS
Here are our 4 top points for ED clinicians using POCUS for COVID-19.
COVID-19 lung ultrasound findings
are not specific for the virus and similar to the interstitial syndrome pattern that is seen with other viral illnesses.Findings include:
B lines
confluent B lines
pleural thickening with irregularity
consolidated lesions in a skip pattern.
*Pleural effusions are rare.
Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an alternative to time-consuming CT scans, improving throughput and transmission risk. Thoroughness with a lawn-mower scanning motion increases sensitivity. LUS is more sensitive than CXR and as sensitive as CT for viral pneumonia *when lesions extend to pleura.
Preferentially use handheld devices, lung preset, and use same cleaning procedure as with endocavitary probes. Clean both before and after. Consider probe cover.
Scan the heart! COVID-19 can progress to myocarditis and heart failure.
And don't forget other uses: IV access, central line placement, intubation confirmation
Learn Lung US Now!
Learn Lung US Now!
Lung ultrasound is relatively easy to learn. There have been suggestions to teach any untrained staff, including nurses. Some suggested applications: triage, screening, monitor progression
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