Evaluating the observance of safety principles in imaging tests with common ultrasound waves in Ahvaz imaging centers

Despite the fact that the harmful effects of ultrasound waves have not been reported in previous studies, these rays are in the group of non-ionizing rays so as a form of energy have the potential to create biological effects when interacting with tissue. Accordingly, guidelines and recommendations have been proposed regarding the adjustment of scan parameters in ultrasound tests, especially pregnancy ultrasound to maintain the safety of patients and the fetus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the scanning parameters and safety of common ultrasound tests used in diagnostic ultrasound centers.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed by completing 321 checklists designed by researchers in Ahvaz ultrasound centers. Ultrasound examinations including routine pregnancy check-ups, examination of fetal abnormalities and pregnancy problems, initial diagnosis of the disease, and re-examination of cancer recurrence and metastasis were performed. In the examined tests, the standardization of specific parameters of the ultrasound system such as thermal indices (TI), mechanical (MI) and scan time were evaluated.

In general, the maximum allowable values ​​of mechanical and thermal indicators for pregnancy tests are 1.0-0 and 0.4-0, respectively, and for non-pregnancy tests are 2.0-0 and 0.9-0, respectively. In this study, the mean thermal and mechanical indices for non-pregnancy tests were 0.30 ± 0.29 and 0.35 ± 1.07, respectively, and for pregnancy tests were 0.32 ± 0.27 and 0.13 ± 1.15, respectively. Based on this, for non-pregnancy tests, the mean of thermal and mechanical indices and scan time were within the standard and below the recommended values. For pregnancy tests, the mean heat index and scan time were appropriate, while the mean mechanical index was higher than the allowable limit for the first trimester of pregnancy.

The results of this study indicated that the scan parameters used in the ultrasound examinations of Ahvaz imaging centers were appropriate and the examined examinations were relatively safe. However, more attention must be paid regarding the suitability of all scan parameters for pregnancy tests.