Premium
Ultrasound is not unsound, but safety is an issue
Author(s) -
Salvesen K. Å.,
Lees C.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1002/uog.6381
Subject(s) - medicine , ultrasound , epidemiology , mechanical index , medical physics , diagnostic ultrasound , radiology , pathology , microbubbles
Ultrasound has an extraordinary safety record. It has been used in obstetrics for almost four decades with no proven harmful effects. In this issue of the Journal there is an updated review of the epidemiological literature1. The authors searched the literature extensively and analyzed the data according to Cochrane review guidelines. The results are reassuring. Apart from an unexplained weak association between ultrasound and non-right handedness in boys, there are no indications of deleterious effects from obstetric ultrasound. The authors conclude that exposure to diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy appears to be safe. So why is safety of ultrasound an issue; or is it an issue?