ICUS Backs Proposed CEUS Training Standards for Sonography Programs

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) is supporting newly proposed accreditation standards that would expand contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) training for sonography students in accredited programs.

The proposed standards from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) would require students to demonstrate knowledge of CEUS principles, safety, administration, clinical applications, enhancement patterns, and routes of transmission.
“ICUS commends CAAHEP for addressing the urgent need to expand CEUS training so that sonography students at accredited programs will acquire fundamental CEUS knowledge and skills,” the organization said in a statement supporting the draft standards.

CEUS uses intravenously infused microbubble contrast agents to improve ultrasound imaging. The technology is used in adults and children to diagnose cardiovascular disease, characterize tumors, monitor gastrointestinal disorders, and assess treatment response.

ICUS has long advocated for broader CEUS education to ensure sonographers are prepared to identify when CEUS exams are appropriate, place intravenous lines, and administer ultrasound contrast agents. The organization noted that these responsibilities align with the recently updated Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The proposed CAAHEP standards also align with new CEUS content recently added to the National Education Curriculum for sonography educators, developed with contributions from ICUS. According to ICUS, the draft standards represent “a third and vital step toward empowering sonographers to play a meaningful role in performing CEUS studies.”

“CEUS training for sonography students is vital to ensuring broader patient access to one of the most significant advances in diagnostic imaging,” said Maria Stanczak, an ICUS board member and sonography educator.