COPD, normoxia, and early desaturation.

This duration may appear to be short. The BLUE protocol was performed by experienced operators it is true, but this was done with the aim of not interfering with the management that was underway. Doctors integrating the BLUE protocol in patient management are free to take more time. Several points explain our data, however. Since 1992, we have labeled our whole-body approach “fast-echo” because using no Doppler device, only one microconvex probe, and one setting provides major savings of time. Since the lung is superficial and has extensive contact with the wall, no time is lost searching for lung windows. A lines and B lines, are simple signs that can be detected immediately. Highlighting characteristic profiles (B, B , A/B, and C, 46% of cases) shortens the BLUE protocol, since it exempts these patients from venous and lateroposterior lung analysis. Only the A profile (54% of cases) requires venous investigation. Exclusive use of a transversal venous approach, dynamic maneuvers (before compression) that immediately pinpoint the location of the vessels, and other time-saving points are explained in the book General Ultrasound in the Critically Ill.2