POCUS

• Flow direction: Hepatopetal (towards the liver) — above the baseline if the probe orientation is standard.

• Velocity: Typically, 20–40 cm/s in fasting adults.

• Waveform: Monophasic with mild respiratory variation.

Abnormal Findings

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an indispensable tool in critical care medicine, enabling intensivists to obtain rapid, bedside diagnostic information and to guide procedures with precision. By integrating real-time imaging into patient assessment, POCUS enhances clinical decision-making, supports early identification of life-threatening conditions, and reduces reliance on patient transport for diagnostic imaging.

For intensivists, POCUS applications span the assessment of cardiovascular function, intravascular volume status, and pulmonary pathology; the evaluation of abdominal and vascular systems; and guidance for procedures such as vascular access, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and drainage of effusions or abscesses. Its use is supported by a growing body of evidence demonstrating improved diagnostic accuracy, procedural safety, and patient outcomes when performed by trained clinicians.

This group aims to advance POCUS proficiency among intensivists through shared cases, image review, discussion of best practices, and integration of the latest evidence and guidelines into daily practice. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, we can elevate the role of POCUS from a supplementary skill to a core competency in critical care.