November 2008

Ultrasound contrast agents, used with contrast-specific imaging techniques, have an established role for diagnostic cardiovascular imaging in the echocardiography laboratory. This document focuses on when and how contrast agents are used to enhance the diagnostic capability of echocardiography. It also reviews the role of physicians, sonographers, and nurses, as well as ways to integrate the use of contrast agents into the echocardiography laboratory most efficiently. These recommendations are based on a critical review of the existing medical literature, including prospective clinical trials. Where no significant study data are available, recommendations are based on expert consensus opinion. Updating a previous publication, this document describes the evidence-based use of contrast echocardiography in clinical practice while acknowledging recent labeling changes by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding contrast agent use and safety information, as described in section B. NOTE: In March 2018 an updated guideline for the clinical application of Ultrasonic Enhancing Agents was released, see Supplementary Materials for link below.