Safety of ultrasound exposure: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australasian sonographers

Abstract

Introduction: While perceived as safe, diagnostic ultrasound has the potential to cause biological effects on the body tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australasian sonographers on bioeffects and safety of ultrasound scanning.Methods: Focus groups were used to develop a questionnaire to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices of ultrasound safety, which was then distributed to Australasian sonographers. Thematic (focus groups) and descriptive (questionnaires) analyses were undertaken.Results: A 37-item questionnaire addressed knowledge, attitudes and practices of ultrasound safety. In 47 collected responses, sonographers demonstrated good familiarity of thermal index (TI) (79%), mechanical index (MI) (68%) and 'as low as reasonably achievable' (ALARA) principle (85%). However, most sonographers could not accurately define TI (13%) and had poor knowledge of safety guidelines relating to TI (19%) and MI (14%). Over 30% were uncertain about their attitudes to ultrasound safety issues. While 52% 'always' and 30% 'most of the time' adhere to ALARA, 37% of sonographers reported never monitoring TI and MI.Discussion: While familiar with safety terms, knowledge of safety guidelines was lacking. Many sonographers were uncertain about their attitudes to the safety of scans; and safety practices involving monitoring for bioeffects were not a high priority.

Beliefs, attitude, and knowledge of the Iranian physiatrists towards neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound and common barriers in its application

“…In a study by Moderiano et al [26] which evaluated the amount of knowledge, views, and performance of 47 sonography experts; reported a low level of knowledge in this study population.…”

Establishing a Risk Assessment Framework for Point-of-Care Ultrasound

“…Risks from thermal bioeffects and cavitation are minimized by use of appropriate study-speci c thermal and mechanical index settings. Literature suggests even experienced sonographers may be unfamiliar with current standards, 19 and this has been addressed by the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) guidelines. 20 The physical machine itself may also expose patients to unnecessary harm if not maintained appropriately.…”

Factors influencing duration of neonatal cranial ultrasound: A pilot study of retrospective data

“…These include the lack of ionising radiation, the real time nature of the scan and most importantly the portability of the ultrasound machine which means that the potentially very unstable neonate does not have to leave the NICU for assessment 4 . Despite the perception of safety, some studies have highlighted gaps in operators' knowledge of biosafety principles and best practice recommendations 1,13 . Additionally, bedside training is common, 14 which poses concerns over scan duration and adherence to recommended guidelines.…”

“…4 Despite the perception of safety, some studies have highlighted gaps in operators' knowledge of biosafety principles and best practice recommendations. 1,13 Additionally, bedside training is common, 14 which poses concerns over scan duration and adherence to recommended guidelines. Calls for standardised education and training are identified in the literature.…”