Human and software error in ductus venosus Doppler waveform analysis.

Ductus venosus waveform analysis has become increasingly affected by technical errors; however, these errors could be avoided if more attention was paid during sampling and analysis. The most common misevaluations include incorrect tracing, under- or overestimation of the peak systolic velocity, overestimation of the end-diastolic velocity, and, as a consequence, incorrect calculation of the pulsatility index facilitated either by human or software error. This article proposes practical suggestions to avoid technical errors in ductus venosus waveform analysis.