Ultrasound Facts
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is like ordinary sound except it has a frequency (or pitch) higher than people can hear. Ultrasound is sent into the body from a scanning instrument (transducer) placed on a patient's skin. The sound is reflected off structures inside the body and is analyzed by a computer to make a picture of these structures on a monitor similar to a television screen. The moving pictures can be recorded on film or videotape. Diagnostic ultrasound is also called sonography.
Who Performs an Ultrasound Examination?
In most clinical settings, a diagnostic medical sonographer- an allied health professional who has been trained specifically to perform ultrasound examinations- will perform the examination. Following the completion of the examination, the sonographer will review the images and the patient's history with a doctor who is trained in the interpretation of ultrasound. Although a sonographer or a technologist may play a critical role in extracting the information essential to deriving a diagnosis, the rendering of a final diagnosis of ultrasound studies represents the practice of medicine, and, therefore, is the responsibility of the supervising doctor.
Is Ultrasound Safe?
There are no known harmful effects associated with the diagnostic use of ultrasound. Widespread clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound for many years has not revealed any harmful effects. 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. However, a prudent and conservative approach is recommended in which diagnostic ultrasound is to be used only for medical benefit and with minimal exposure.
What Areas of the Body Can Be Imaged by Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive diagnostic tool that can be used to examine many parts of the body, most commonly soft tissue. It is used extensively in the female pelvis (both obstetrical and gynecological).
Why is Ultrasound Used in Pregnancy?
Ultrasound is widely known for its use in first-, second-, and third-trimester pregnancy. The most common reason for having an ultrasound examination during pregnancy is to help the doctor determine when a patient's baby is due, or to make sure the baby is growing as it should. A doctor may also request an ultrasound to determine the baby's position, to see if the patient is carrying multiple babies, or to detect birth defect.
How Should Ultrasound Be Used?
Ultrasound should be used in a prudent manner, only to provide medical benefit to the patient. The AIUM strongly discourages the non medical use of ultrasound for psychosocial or entertainment purposes. The use of ultrasound to only view the fetus, or determine the fetal gender without medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice.
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