Professional Standards in Thoracic Ultrasound – EFSUMB Position Paper

Abstract

This position paper of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on professional standards in thoracic ultrasound is a supplement to EFSUMB’s previously published professional standards in medical ultrasound – general aspects. The paper represents a position across the different medical professions within EFSUMB regarding optimal standards for the performing and reporting of thoracic ultrasound examinations by any professional ultrasound practitioner. It describes aspects that ensure procedure quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in the application of thoracic ultrasound. The paper provides recommendations regarding safety and the indication for thoracic ultrasound examinations, requirements for examination rooms, structured examinations, systematic reporting of results, and the management, communication, and archiving of ultrasound data.

Zusammenfassung

Dieses Positionspapier der European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) zu professionellen Standards in der Thoraxsonografie ergänzt die zuvor von der EFSUMB veröffentlichten professionellen Standards im medizinischen Ultraschall – Allgemeine Aspekte. Das Papier vertritt die Position der verschiedenen medizinischen Fachrichtungen innerhalb der EFSUMB hinsichtlich optimaler Standards für die Durchführung und Befundung von Ultraschalluntersuchungen des Thorax durch professionelle Untersucher. Es beschreibt Aspekte, die die Qualität, Effektivität, Effizienz und Nachhaltigkeit des Verfahrens bei der Anwendung der Thoraxsonografie sicherstellen. Das Papier enthält Empfehlungen zur Sicherheit und Indikationsstellung von Ultraschalluntersuchungen des Thorax, zu Anforderungen an Untersuchungsräume, zu strukturierten Untersuchungen, systematischer Befundung sowie zur Verarbeitung, Kommunikation und Archivierung von Ultraschalldaten.

Keywords

thorax - pleura - diaphragm - chest - lung

Publication History

Received: 18 March 2025

Accepted after revision: 16 September 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 September 2025

Article published online:
18 November 2025

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