AUA, AIUM develop practice guideline for ultrasound imaging in urology

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and American Urological Association (AUA) are pleased to announce the collaborative development of the Practice Guideline for the Performance of an Ultrasound Examination in the Practice of Urology. This guideline has been developed to assist practitioners performing an ultrasound examination in the practice of urology and provides direction in the areas of kidney, bladder, prostate, scrotal and penile ultrasound. The guideline also addresses key issues relating to documentation, quality control and improvement, safety, infection control and patient education.

The AUA and AIUM are also pleased to announce collaborative development of Training Guidelines for urologists who perform ultrasound. The above guidelines serve as a roadmap for practices wishing to voluntarily seek accreditation for ultrasound through the AIUM.

"The AIUM is dedicated to ultrasound the modality, and we have a unique opportunity to associate with colleagues in multiple diverse specialties. It has been very rewarding working with the AUA to develop joint performance and training guidelines so that urologic patients will receive high quality ultrasound studies" said Harvey L. Nisenbaum, MD, AIUM Immediate Past President and key facilitator of the collaboration with the urologists.

"Urologists were pleased to participate in the development of guidelines for the ultrasound imaging studies we routinely perform in the office setting," said Pat Fulgham, MD, urologist and member of the guideline task force. "We look forward to working with the AIUM in the development of new guidelines and protocols to ensure the high quality of imaging in the practice of urology."