Safety Practices of Sonographers and Their Knowledge of the Biologic Effects of Sonography

Abstract

Diagnostic medical sonography is viewed as a safe imaging modality. However, bioeffects research has yet to define the effects of exposure to sonography in humans. Therefore, sonographers must be aware of potential risks and practice ALARA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) routinely. This research explores sonographers’ ability to answer basic questions about the bioeffects of sonography, as well as their knowledge and use of the safety indices called the mechanical index (MI) and thermal index (TI). Members of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, a southwestern sonographers’ society, and a sonography community on Facebook 2010 were surveyed. There is a low level of bioeffects knowledge and minimal safety practices among sonographers in this survey. No significant relationship was found between sonographer knowledge of the bioeffects of sonography, years in the profession, or whether the sonographers monitor the MI/TI.