Doppler Sonography during Pregnancy – DEGUM Quality Standards and Clinical Applications (Part 1)

Abstract

AbstractDoppler sonography is widely established in prenatal medicine and obstetrics and is commonly used in screening for aneuploidy and preeclampsia during the first trimester. More importantly, during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, it is used in the assessment of fetal health as well as the surveillance of underlying fetal conditions such as IUGR and anemia. Correct use of the method is vital for correct data interpretation and the inferred clinical decision process. Therefore, we aim to provide all users of doppler sonography with a guide for meeting the required quality standards. These quality standards will further be the basis of DEGUM-certified training courses. In the first part, we will introduce the technical principles of the method and potential error sources, vascular disciplines to which the method can be applied, analysis of the spectral curves, patient safety and the needed requirements for successful certification.