The Lawyer's Perspective on the Use of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Diagnostic sonography, also known as ultrasound, has become an invaluable aid in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Rapid improvements in instrumentation have caused the sonologist and sonography to assume a primary role in the care of these patients. Patient and physician expectations have increased with the technological advances. This paper will outline the advances and capabilities of diagnostic sonography in obstetrics and gynecology, while reflecting upon the foreseeable legal implications.The physics of ultrasound is rather complex. Briefly, ultrasound utilizes high-frequency, non-ionizing, mechanical waves, 2.25 to 10 megahertz, that require a molecular medium for propagation. The reflected energy is processed to produce an image. Because it employs non-ionizing waves, ultrasound is considered safe by most authorities when used at the intensities currently employed for diagnosis. No clinically significant adverse effects have been reported in humans to date.