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BMUS Statement for the General
Public on the Safety of Medical Ultrasound Imaging
Prepared by the Safety Group of the British Medical Ultrasound Society. |
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Ultrasound was first used in medical
imaging fifty years ago, and today accounts for about a quarter of all imaging
procedures. In medical circles, it is widely recognized that ultrasound is an
extremely useful tool, with benefits for patients that greatly outweigh any
potential risks as long as it is used is for medical purposes.
Numerous scientific studies have provided reassuring evidence that ultrasound
imaging is not harmful to adults, children, or the human fetus or embryo.
However, it is known that some modern ultrasound scanners are capable of
producing subtle heating and other effects inside the human body. Two widely
quoted studies from the 1990s suggest that women scanned during pregnancy may
be slightly more likely to give birth to left-handed or ambidextrous boys than
would otherwise be expected.
Hence, the British Medical Ultrasound Society considers ultrasound imaging to
be safe when it is performed prudently, for a clear medical purpose, by
properly trained professionals, using well maintained equipment. As with most
other types of medical imaging, all unnecessary exposure to the human body
should be avoided. In particular, ultrasound should not be used on pregnant
women solely for 'entertainment' or 'bonding' purposes.
15th March 2010 |
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