[Interobserver variability of dialysis shunt flow measurements using color coated duplex sonography]

A prospective study extending over 4 months was carried out in which 142 shunt volume flow measurements were performed on 43 patients; two up to four operators with varying degrees of experience took part. Flow volumes varied between 51 and 2409 ml/min with an average blood flow volume of 521 ml/min. Comparison of measurements of individual operators showed errors of between 0.5 and 19.8%. Average error was calculated as 11.3%. Shunt flow measurements by colour Doppler sonography provide an easily appreciated and reproducible method for quantifying changes in shunt flow.