Diagnostic Ultrasound Safety

ABSTRACT Ultrasound bioeffect is discussed from its physical property, i.e. thermal effect by thermal index, mechanical effect by mechanical index, and by the output intensity of ultrasound. Generally, thermal and mechanical indices should be lower than 1 in obstetrical setting, and threshold output intensity of no bioeffect is lower than SPTA 240 mW/cm2 in pulse wave. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound thermal and mechanical indices should be also lower than 1, and should be carefully used it in 11 to 13+6 weeks of pregnancy. Real-time B-mode, transvaginal scan, pulsed Doppler, 3D and 4D ultrasound were separately discussed in the ultrasound safety. Generally diagnostic ultrasound is safe for the fetus and embryo, if thermal and mechanical indices are lower than 1, and ultrasound devices are safe, if it is used under official limitation, e.g. the output intensity is less than SPTA 10 mW/cm2 in Japan. The ultrasound user is responsible ultrasound safety, e.g. higher thermal and mechanical indices than 1 should be lowered to be lower than 1, controlling the device output intensity. The user should learn bioeffects of ultrasound and prudent use of ultrasound under the ALARA principle. How to cite this article Maeda K, Kurjak A. Diagnostic Ultrasound Safety. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(2):178-183.