Full RCR guideline: At least one session per week over a period of no less than 3 months with approximately five scans per session (under supervision of an experienced practitioner)

‘Focused’ RCR guideline: Observe 20 thoracic ultrasound examinations, perform 20 examinations on normal patients, perform 20 examinations on patients with pleural effusion, perform 20 thoracocenteses or drain placements using both guided and non-guided techniques

A logbook should be kept

Supervision by Level 2 practitioner or by a Level 1 practitioner with at least 2 years’ experience

Attendance at a theoretical course with support from textbooks and literature

Recognition of normal anatomy (pleura, diaphragm, heart, liver, spleen)

Recognition of pathology (pleural effusion, pleural thickening, consolidated lung)

Estimated depth of pleural effusion

Use of colour flow Doppler

Guided thoracocentesis and drain placement

As for Level 1, with more detailed understanding of pleural disease

At least 1 year of experience at Level 1 with a minimum of two examinations performed per week

A further 100 examinations to encompass the full range of conditions and procedures

Supervision of training by a Level 2 practitioner with at least 2 years’ experience

As for Level 1 with additional advanced use of Doppler ultrasound

Ultrasound-guided lung and nodal biopsy

CPD and maintenance of practical skills

Perform at least 20 ultrasound examinations per year

Regular meetings with radiological colleagues

Named radiologist as an ‘ultrasound mentor’