Table 2.

GI Sonographer scope of practice.

Indicative imaging performed	Role of the imaging of these structures
∆ = Recognition of normal gastrointestinal structures and adjacent organs as landmarks • Liver, pancreas, gallbladder, biliary tracts • Colon, appendix, ileocolic junction, ileum, jejunum, duodenum and stomach	Awareness of spectrum of ‘normal’ presentations Landmark identification serves as mechanism to enhance accuracy of imaging; integral aspect of protocol-based imaging
◊ = Identification of ultrasound appearances of normal colon and small bowel including: • Sonographic differences in the varying aspects of the GI tract • Peristalsis and wall spasm • Normal variation of bowel position, including long mesenteric siting of the small bowel, caecum, transverse and sigmoid colon	Awareness of ‘normal’ presentations
Recognition of lesions involving the GI tract including malignant processes: • Appearances of bowel wall thickening • Appearances suggesting malignant transformation • Demonstration of GI tract lesions such as clinically significant polyps and lesions	Building upon ∆ and ◊: sonographic differential diagnosis, description and (where appropriate) estimation of malignant features
Recognition of GI tract inflammation: • Identify and report ultrasound appearances of appendicitis • Identify and report ultrasound appearances of colonic inflammation including colitis and diverticulitis • Identify and report ultrasound appearances of small bowel inflammation, including ileitis and Crohn’s disease • Identify and report ultrasound appearances of inflammation that may change the normal appearances of the GI tract, such as mesenteric panniculitis and epiploic appendagitis	Building upon ∆ and ◊: sonographic differential diagnosis and description of GI tract inflammation
Recognition of hepatopancreatobiliary diseases: • Identify and report advanced ultrasound appearances of the liver including diffuse and focal liver pathology, undertake elastography and other advanced techniques to assess liver disease • Identify and report advanced ultrasound appearances of the pancreas including pancreatic cystic lesions under surveillance for malignant potential • Identify and report advanced ultrasound appearances of the biliary tract, including diagnosis of choledocholithiasis	Building upon ∆: sonographic differential diagnosis and description of hepatopancreatobiliary disease

GI: gastrointestinal.