Abstract
Ultrasound imaging has been used for medical purposes for over 50 years and has an
excellent safety record. Ultrasonic fetal scanning is generally considered safe and
is properly used when medical information on a pregnancy is needed. However, ultrasound
energy delivered to the fetus cannot be regarded as completely innocuous. Even though
there are no demonstrated risks from ultrasound imaging, it can produce effects on
the body. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that diagnostic levels of ultrasound
can produce physical effects in tissue, such as mechanical vibrations, rise in temperature
and cavitation. A number of in vitro and in vivo (animal and human) biologic effects have been reported following exposure to diagnostic
ultrasound devices and low intensity ultrasound used for therapeutic purposes. Most
public health experts, clinicians and industry agree that exposure of the fetus to
ultrasound for nonmedical purposes should be avoided. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) supports this position. (E-mail: [email protected])
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 06, 2010
Accepted:
March 31,
2010
Received in revised form:
March 15,
2010
Received:
May 11,
2009
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
