AIUM Official Statements [web site]

Clinical Safety

Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use since the late 1950s. Given its known benefits and recognized efficacy for medical diagnosis, including use during human pregnancy, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine herein addresses the clinical safety of such use.

There are no confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures from present diagnostic ultrasound instruments. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present.

Interpretation of Ultrasound Examinations

Ultrasound studies shall be supervised and interpreted by a physician with training and experience in the specific area of ultrasonography. Findings must be recorded and results communicated in a timely fashion to the physician responsible for care. Although a sonographer may play a critical role in extracting the information essential to deriving a diagnosis, the rendering of a final diagnosis of ultrasounds studies represents the practice of medicine, and , therefore, is the responsibility of the supervising physician.

Prudent Use

The AIUM advocates the responsible use of diagnostic ultrasound. The AIUM strongly discourages the non-medical use of ultrasound for psychosocial or entertainment purposes. The use of either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to only view the fetus, obtain a picture of the fetus or determine the fetal gender without a medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice. Although there are no confirmed biological effects on patients caused by exposures from present diagnostic ultrasound instruments, the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future. Thus ultrasound should be used in a prudent manner to provide medical benefit to the patient.

Providing Images to Patients

Images of a portion of the ultrasound examination may be given to the mother if requested.

Keepsake Fetal Imaging

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Entertainment Ultrasound

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3D Technology

Currently, two-dimensional (2D) gray-scale real-time sonography is the primary method of medically indicated anatomic imaging with ultrasound. The term three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound refers to the acquisition of imaging data from a volume of tissue. This volumetric data can be displayed as slabs of varying thickness, multiplanar reconstruction or as a rendered image. The 2D display remains the primary method of image presentation regardless of the method of acquisition. While 3D ultrasound may be helpful in diagnosis, it is currently an adjunct to, but not a replacement for 2D ultrasound. As with an developing technology, its clinical value may improve and its diagnostic role will be periodically re-evaluated.

Employment of Credentialed Sonogrophers

The AIUM endorses the employment of only credentialed sonographers in accordance with the AIUM's accreditation policies.

Reimbursable Obstetrical Ultrasound

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Safety in Training & Research

Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use since the late 1950s. There are no confirmed adverse biological effect on patients resulting from this usage. Although no hazard has been identified that would preclude the prudent and conservative use of diagnostic ultrasound in education and research, experience from normal diagnostic practice may or may not be relevant to extended exposure times and altered exposure condition. It is therefore considered appropriate to make the following recommendation:

Standards & Guidelines for the Accreditation of Ultrasound Practices

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