Key issues in the analysis of safety of diagnostic ultrasound

Stanley B Barnett MSc PhD FAIUM; Immediate Past-President, ASUM; Honorary Secretary, WFUMB; Chair, Safety Committee of ASUM and WFUMBBundaberg, Queensland

IS THERE REASON FOR CONCERN?
Diagnostic ultrasound is generally accepted as a safe procedure in the absence of plausible and confirmed evidence of adverse health effects. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of adverse effects as the scientific database is incomplete and cannot keep pace with technological development in modern equipment. Users of modern sophisticated ultrasonographic equipment are responsible for risk/benefit assessment.
This paper presents a summary of the key issues relating to bioeffects and safety of diagnostic ultrasound. For more detailed information on the topics addressed, please refer to the references cited or to relevant recently published books1,2.