Pandompatam, Govind

Basic concepts of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) include ultrasound physics, imaging modes, and knobology. Ultrasound physics describes the nature of sound waves and their interaction with media. Key physics concepts include imaging resolution, transducer components, and artifacts. Having a base understanding of ultrasound physics is important to obtaining quality imaging and helps to avoid errors in acquiring and interpreting POCUS. Ultrasound modes, including two-dimensional (2D), M-mode and Doppler ultrasound allow the practitioner to evaluate many structural and hemodynamic variables in the critically ill patient. Ultrasound knobology describes the use of the ultrasound machine controls to optimize image quality. With a sound knowledge of the basics of ultrasound, practitioners can competently perform POCUS in the critical care setting.