This document is the result of review of the latest scientific evidence by an independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR), which reported its findings to the HPA.

The conclusions contained in the report agree with the recommendations issued by BMUS in its Clinical safety statement (http://www.bmus.org/policies-guides/pg-safety04.asp), and its new safety guidelines (http://www.bmus.org/policies-guides/pg-safety03.asp).

The HPA Executive summary differs from BMUS statements solely on the issue of souvenir (keepsake) scanning.  It states that:“In the light of the widespread use of ultrasound in medical practice and its increasing use for ‘souvenir’ fetal imaging commercially, and given the unconfirmed indications from the biological and epidemiological literature of possible neurological effects of in utero ultrasound exposures, there is a need for further research on whether there are any long-term adverse effects of diagnostic ultrasound exposure.”

While BMUS has no disagreement with this statement, it believes that, in the interests of good practice, the recommendations contained in its statement on Souvenir Scanning (http://www.bmus.org/policies-guides/pg-safety05.asp) should be followed. 

These are:

1. Ultrasound scans should not be performed solely for producing souvenir images or recordings of a fetus or embryo.
2. The production of souvenir images or recordings for the parents to keep is reasonable if they are produced during a diagnostic scan, provided that this does not require the ultrasound exposure to be greater in time or magnitude (as indicated by the displayed MI and TI) than that necessary to produce the required diagnostic information.
3. Attention is drawn to the recommendation of the EFSUMB Clinical Safety Statement for Diagnostic Ultrasound that ultrasound examinations should be performed only by competent personnel who are trained and updated in ultrasound safety matters.

In addition, BMUS is very keen to encourage all patients who have diagnostic scans booked to keep their scheduled appointments as these ultrasound scans have been arranged for a clinical purpose, and not solely for the purpose of ‘souvenir scanning’.

2nd February 2010

BMUS Office: 36, Portland Place, London, W1B 1LS  Tel: 020 7636 3714

Contact: Julie Walton, President of BMUS, Tel: 07710 448 405

Professor Gail ter Haar, Chair of BMUS Safety Committee