Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapid, bedside imaging tool used by pediatricians and intensivists to assess and guide treatment in real time. It plays a crucial role in the timely diagnosis and management of critically ill or acutely symptomatic children.
POCUS is safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free—ideal for children of all ages.
Common clinical uses include:
Lung ultrasound – to detect pneumonia, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax
Cardiac ultrasound – to assess heart function, fluid status, and pericardial effusion
Abdominal scans – for evaluating free fluid, bladder volume, or bowel abnormalities
Vascular access guidance – for placing IV lines safely and accurately
Cranial ultrasound – in neonates to assess brain structures
By enabling faster decisions at the bedside, POCUS enhances diagnostic precision, safety, and patient outcomes, especially in emergency and intensive care settings.