Ultrasound biosafety: Knowledge and opinions of health practitioners who perform obstetric scans in South Africa

摘要

Diagnostic ultrasound is generally considered as a safe test in pregnancy. To date there is no evidence that ultrasound has caused harm to the developing foetus. However, with the number of obstetric scans on the rise and the steep increase in acoustic output achieved by modern machines, the lack of evidence of absolute safety remains a concern. Acoustic output is under the direct control of the operator and is therefore the operator’s responsibility to keep the intensity as low as reasonably achievable. A situation analysis in the South African context was deemed necessary to determine end user knowledge and opinions on safe antenatal ultrasound practice.