Table 2.

Suggested blueprint of point of care ultrasound curriculum

Topic	Key Elements
1. Ultrasound physics and knobology	• Ultrasound wave properties, transducer types • Introduction to basic modes: B, M, color flow, power Doppler, spectral Doppler • Basics of image optimization and image orientation • Common ultrasound artifacts
2. Sonography of the kidneys in children	• Technique: probe selection in neonates and children, positioning, and description of movements • Sonographic anatomy • Kidney size and appearance: length, cortical and parenchymal thickness, echogenicity variabilities in neonates and children • Core pathologies: hydronephrosis, stone, cyst, free fluid
3. Ultrasound-guided procedures in PICU	• Temporary hemodialysis catheter placement: probe selection, vessel selection, needle tip visualization, catheter insertion, placement confirmation • Renal biopsy (native and transplant): probe and site selection, visualization of the renal cortex, vasculature, needle tip and surrounding anatomy (e.g., bowel loop interference in the case of allograft), evaluation of post-biopsy hematoma/Doppler signs • Suprapubic urine sample collection
4. Lung ultrasound	• Technique: probe selection, positioning, and normal movements • Sonographic zones of evaluation • A and B lines • Other abnormalities: pleural effusion, consolidations, atelectasis
5. IVC and cardiac ultrasound for assessment of intravascular volume status in children	• Rationale and limitations • Technique: probe and preset selection, probe positioning, basic cardiac views • M-mode and color Doppler • Cardiac anatomy and evaluation of five Es • IVC ultrasound: basics and pitfalls
6. Access for dialysis: hemodialysis and PD	• Anatomy of vascular access: gross and sonographic correlations • Technique: probe selection, measurement of depth, diameter, volume flow • Core pathologies and assessment of newly placed AV fistula and PD access
7. Integrative assessment of fluid volume status	• Basics of multiorgan POCUS for objective evaluation of hemodynamics • Patient case studies to understand the clinical integration of multi-organ ultrasound
8. Renal allograft ultrasound and urinary bladder ultrasound	• Technique: probe selection, positioning, and description of movements • Allograft anatomy: basics • Allograft core pathologies: hydronephrosis, perinephric collections, vascular anastomosis, and resistive index • Urinary bladder: anatomy, volume calculation, urinary retention, indwelling urinary catheter malposition
9. Advanced skill: limited Doppler echocardiography, venous Doppler (VExUS)	• Rationale, basics of technique, probe selection, and positioning • Selected Doppler echocardiographic parameters such as stroke volume assessment, right ventricular systolic pressure and pulmonary artery pressures. Doppler evaluation of the systemic veins including hepatic, portal and intrarenal veins • Case studies highlighting use of Doppler echocardiography and VExUS in selected pediatric subsets

AV, arteriovenous; IVC, inferior vena cava; PD, peritoneal dialysis; PICU, pediatric intensive care unit; POCUS, point-of-care ultrasound; VExUS, Venous Excess Ultrasonography Score.