Practical aspects of establishing a neurosonology laboratory

The utilization of noninvasive ultrasound techniques to evaluate adult and pediatric patients has become widely accepted in the neurology practice. As utilization increases, however, the need for standardization and technical competence becomes increasingly important. Although efforts to standardize interpretation criteria and technique are currently being addressed on a national basis, day to day operation of the neurosonology laboratory has received little notice. Although specific operational principles will vary according to the scope of the laboratory (neurovascular, pediatric or neuromuscular), several factors are fundamental to the operation of a neurosonology service. After the scope is outlined, personnel requirements, appropriate instrumentation and laboratory space can be appropriately chosen. Once operational, efforts to institute quality control and continuing education requirements must be addressed. Finally, current standards for voluntary certification of technologists and physicians will be reviewed.