Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Acute Respiratory Failure

Abstract This chapter appraises the BLUE protocol, a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) technique designed to diagnose acute respiratory failure in emergency settings. The protocol can quickly identify causes such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and pneumothorax. The protocol involves examining lung and deep vein patterns to detect such pathologies. The BLUE protocol study demonstrated that POCUS is highly sensitive and specific, with an accuracy rate of 90.5% in identifying the final intensive care unit (ICU) diagnosis, making it a valuable tool for rapid assessment. Finally, the chapter discusses that the BLUE protocol offers significant diagnostic advantages over traditional imaging methods in emergency and ICU settings.