A Randomized Prospective Analysis of Time to Diagnosis and Length of Stay of Emergency Department Pelvic Ultrasonography

A Randomized Prospective Analysis of Time to Diagnosis and Length of Stay of Emergency Department Pelvic Ultrasonography

The goal of this project is to compare the efficiency of pelvic ultrasounds performed by emergency medicine residents and attending physicians to the efficiency of pelvic ultrasounds performed by the department of radiology.

This study is a randomized, prospective interventional study of pregnant patients presenting to the emergency department with complaints of pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding. This study will be conducted at 4 sites across the United States. Patients who are eligible and consent to participate will be randomized to one of two conditions; 1) a pelvic ultrasound that is performed by a certified emergency department attending or physician, or 2) a pelvic ultrasound that is performed by a certified radiology technician (standard-of-care). The time to diagnosis and emergency department length of stay between the two groups will be compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have a positive serum or urine beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• estimated gestational age (EGA) of less than 20 weeks
• complaint of pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• prior known documentation of an intrauterine pregnancy
• estimated gestational age (EGA) of greater than 20 weeks
• peritoneal findings on physical examination
• unstable vital signs as deemed appropriate by the attending physician
• prisoners
• open cervix upon physical examination