Process for Adult Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Standard E2
Standard F1
Example
Purpose: To provide a standard process and outline expectations for best practice while
performing an adult TTE.
Pre-Test:
 Patient introductions and explanations with time for questions.
 Patient identification.
 Verbal & written consent obtained from patient to proceed with test.
 Obtain height, weight, medication list, allergy list and cardiac history.
 Review requisition to ensure indication appropriateness and determine focus of the
study.
 Request that patient undress from the waist up and put on a gown.
 Attach ECG electrodes, ensuring a good signal needed for looping and acquisition of
digital images.
 Record resting blood pressure.
 Ensure patient safety, comfort, confidentiality and modesty (drape with towel).
 Request that patient lie in a left lateral position.
 Use echo bed with cut out if available.
Test:
 Follow written protocol for the performance of an adult transthoracic study images and
measurements.
 Perform a complete and thorough study, unless focused study preapproved due to
circumstances.
 Focus on quality in a timely and efficient manner, with minimal patient discomfort.
 Adult TTEs have an allotted time slot of 45 minutes with a 15 minute window for
complicated cases.
 If a study is technically difficult or inadequate, the sonographer is expected to seek
assistance from a colleague to complete the study.
 The sonographer is responsible for deciding if contrast use is beneficial.
 Portable studies are to be completed when clinically indicated or requested.
 Sterile probe covers are to be used during sterile procedures.
 No test information can be provided to the patient by the sonographer: results are to be
communicated by physician.
 Infection control guidelines are to be followed with patients suffering from an infectious
condition.
Post-Test:
 Remove electrodes and clean gel from patient.
 Stay with patient while they transition from the bed, assess stability.
 Ensure patient modesty and assist getting dressed as needed.
 Complete documentation of the preliminary report, and export to reading.
Cardiologist:
Ensure all fields are completed and information is accurate.