Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-care Ultrasonography for Confirming Endotracheal Tube Placement in Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Background: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is increasingly used to confirm endotracheal tube (ETT) placement; however, its overall diagnostic accuracy and speed compared with standard methods in adult emergency and critical care settings remain uncertain. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies through May 2025 that evaluated POCUS for confirming ETT placement in adults (≥18 years) in emergency departments (EDs) and intensive care units (ICUs). Results: ² > 99%). Conclusion: Point-of-care ultrasonography is a highly accurate, rapid, and reliable method for confirming ETT placement in adult ED and ICU settings. It demonstrates diagnostic performance comparable to previously reported capnography performance and provides unique advantages as an adjunctive tool, especially in scenarios where capnography may be unreliable. How to cite this article: . Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-care Ultrasonography for Confirming Endotracheal Tube Placement in Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2026;30(2):155-164.
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7130648685