What are the two ultrasound access views described in Ultrasound Access Training?

• A. Transverse and Longitudinal
• B. Anterior and Posterior
• C. Superior and Inferior
• D. Lateral and Medial

Answer: (A)

The concept here is how we orient the ultrasound image when gaining access: there are two common planes used for imaging the vessel during ultrasound-guided procedures — transverse (short-axis) and longitudinal (long-axis). The transverse view slices the vessel across its width so you see a circular cross-section of the vessel; this helps identify the vessel and nearby structures and can make the needle approach appear as a bright dot when it intersects the plane. The longitudinal view aligns the probe with the length of the vessel, so the vessel looks like a tube along the screen and you can track the needle along the plane to see its tip as you advance. These two imaging orientations are the standard ultrasound access views described in training. The other directional terms point to locations on the body and don’t describe the imaging planes used for access.