Practice Parameters

AIUM practice parameters are intended to provide the medical ultrasound community with guidelines for the performance and recording of high-quality ultrasound examinations. The parameters reflect what the AIUM considers the minimum criteria for a complete examination in each area but are not intended to establish a legal standard of care.

The AIUM currently offers its practice parameters in two forms:

PDF—read online or download for later (No CME credit)

Video Tutorial—These step-by-step instructional videos show users how to adhere to the parameters. Video tutorials are available for purchase and vary in the number of CME credits.

The AIUM also publishes Training Guidelines. These are not eligible for CME credits.

Abdomen or Retroperitoneum * (2021)

Article | Image Library

Abdominal Aorta (2021)

Article

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Penile Ultrasound (2023)

Article

Breast * † (2021)

Article

Contrast-Enhanced * (2023)

Article

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (2024)

Article

Documentation (2019)

Article

EFAST (2022)

Article

Extracranial Cerebrovascular (2021)

Article | Image Library

Extracranial Head and Neck * (2023)

Article | Video Tutorial

Extremity Arteries (2023)

Article

Female Pelvis * (2020)

Article | Image Library | Video Tutorial

Fetal Echocardiography * (2019)

Article | Image Library | Video Tutorial

Focused Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (2019)

Article | Image Library

Head and Neck (AAO-HNS) * (2014)

Article

Limited Obstetric for Advanced Clinical Providers * (2018)

Article

Musculoskeletal * (2023)

Article | Video Tutorial

Native Renal Vessels (2023)

Article

Neonatal Spine (2021)

Article | Image Library | Video Tutorial

Neurosonography in Neonates and Infants (2020)

Article | Image Library | Video Tutorial

* The AIUM offers practice accreditation for these specialties. View more information.
AIUM-accredited practices are expected to generally follow the parameters with recognition that deviations from these parameters will be needed in some cases, depending on patient needs and available equipment. Practices are encouraged to go beyond the guidelines to provide additional service and information as needed.

† As of November 2013, the AIUM Executive Committee and Board of Governors voted to replace the previous AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Breast Ultrasound Examination. In its place, we have adopted the American College of Radiology's (ACR) Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Breast Ultrasound Examination.