Optimal resources for ultrasonic examination of the heart. Echocardiography study group.

This paper provides guidelines for the optimal, rather than minimal, performance of ultrasonic examination of the heart for current clinical applications using conventional echocardiographic equipment. Since the original report of this Inter-Society Commission on Heart Disease Resources Committee in 1975, M-mode echocardiography has continued to be a valuable clinical tool, and two-dimensional echocardiography has been developed. Guidelines are presented for optimal physician and cardiac sonographer training, case loads, space and support systems, equipment design features and performance testing, and administrative considerations. The developing area of Doppler ultrasound and the competitive technologies are noted.