By Sriman Iyer

The webinar highlighted here focuses on decentralizing imaging by applying POCUS to manage HIV and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) using the FASH protocol. For point-of-care clinicians operating in resource-limited settings – where radiologist-to-patient ratios can be as staggering as 1 to 800,000 – POCUS provides immediate, bedside answers that prevent fatal treatment delays.

Key Takeaways From the On-demand Webinar: POCUS, Not Just for Obstetrics

• Master the FASH Protocol Checklist: The Focused Assessment with Sonography for HIV-associated TB (FASH) utilizes a 7-view checklist designed to rapidly identify extra-pulmonary TB complications.
• Scan for Critical Fluid and Lesions: Clinicians should look for anechoic or hypoechoic fluid representing pericardial or pleural effusions, free fluid (ascites) in the abdomen, hypoechoic enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, and splenic/hepatic microabscesses.
• Enable Task-Shifting and Rapid Triage: POCUS allows general practitioners and HIV clinic staff to bypass long waits for standard X-rays or CT scans, enabling immediate initiation of targeted anti-TB therapies.

Clinical Application

When an HIV-positive patient arrives at a rural clinic with shortness of breath and abdominal swelling, traditional pathways would require transferring the patient for X-rays and awaiting a radiologist’s report. Instead, a clinician uses a handheld POCUS device to immediately perform the FASH protocol, spotting a severe pericardial effusion and enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes. This allows for rapid, life-saving pericardiocentesis and the immediate start of anti-TB medication.

Conclusion

Implementing POCUS beyond obstetrics empowers frontline clinicians to dramatically reduce diagnostic delays and actively combat the global burden of HIV and TB. We invite you to explore more webinars and self-paced POCUS education to expand your clinical impact.

Sriman Iyer is an intern with the POCUS Certification Academy.