The Safety of Ultrasound Scans for Fetal Health

Ultrasound scans are a common diagnostic tool used to monitor fetal development. However, concerns about potential harm have led to queries about the safety of these scans. This article aims to address those concerns by exploring the origins of such concerns, the scientific principles underlying ultrasound, and measures in place to ensure fetal safety during these procedures.

Where Does the Concern of Harm to the Fetus Come From?

Our understanding of the safety of ultrasound has evolved over time, shaped by historical precedents. Historically, there were instances where other forms of non-invasive waves were used in medical treatments, leading to unanticipated health consequences. This taught the medical community the importance of closely studying the potential hazards from the start of any new technology's use. Today, extensive research is conducted on animal models, physical measurements, and cell cultures to ensure that ultrasound parameters remain within safe limits for patients.

Understanding the Physics and Biology of Ultrasound Scans

Ultrasound waves are a type of mechanical wave that travels through the body by vibrations of molecules around their equilibrium positions. These waves transfer energy through physical interactions. Key parameters include frequency, intensity, energy flow through a unit surface, and peak or average pressure within the pulse. These waves can have several effects on tissues, including thermal heating, cavitation, and mechanical strain. To ensure safety, these effects are kept within predefined limits or minimized as much as possible.

Measures to Avoid Adverse Effects

The results of these biological studies are integrated into diagnostic ultrasound machines to ensure that the transmitter output is kept at safe levels for all parameters. Sonographers and sonologists are informed of the properties of the waves and their estimated effects. There are also legal limits set by various regulatory bodies, such as the European Union and North America, which ensure that procedures remain safe. Operators are trained to use appropriate methods and settings to ensure that the parameters used are within safe levels.

For further detailed information, individuals can contact the professional societies for medical ultrasound in their respective countries to get specific safety parameters such as SPTA intensity or rarefactional pressure values, in compliance with local laws regarding non-ionizing radiation protection.

Diagnostic ultrasound procedures used by qualified medical personnel are considered safe. Frivolous or trivial applications of this technology should be discouraged to ensure efficient use of medical professionals' time for meaningful activities.

Research and safety measures for ultrasound are ongoing and will continue to evolve, emphasizing the commitment to patient safety and the continuous improvement of medical technology.