Diagnostic Ultrasound

How to Make Sure Your Diagnostic Ultrasound is Operated Safely

When it comes to offering diagnostic imaging services, patient and provider safety are always the top priority. Maintaining safety throughout the evaluation and diagnostic processes is key to keeping the patient comfortable enough to get accurate readings and results.

Here are some crucial factors in providing a safe, beneficial ultrasound experience to every consumer you serve:

Shorter Means Safer

The generally-accepted best practice for using diagnostic ultrasound equipment is to set the machine to its lowest possible setting capable of achieving the desired result. This prevents unnecessary overexposure to potentially harmful energy sources.

Likewise, procedures should always be as short as possible, while still maintaining the integrity of the test. The less exposure the patient has to the x-ray, ultrasound, or other digital imaging energy sources, the safer the test is accepted as being.

Some scans carry greater risks. Because the exact risk to a human fetus from exposure to digital imaging technology is not determined, it is always best to keep obstetric scans to the shortest possible length of time.

Tips for Safer Operation

No matter what length of time a scan is carried out over, the rules for the procedure are the same. This should include:

  • Only using ultrasound or imaging equipment for medical monitoring or diagnosis. In the case of pregnancy, this means that parents should not be permitted to have unnecessary scans to secure souvenirs such as printed photos, videos, etc. However, it is permissible for these items to be offered in conjunction with medically necessary and pre-schedules scans, so long as there are no complications that would prevent them.
  • Only allowing trained adults to operate this machinery. Only a medically-trained adult can understand the inherent risks of using this type of machinery. Understanding those risks is key to providing a safe experience for both patient and provider. Untrained staff should never be asked or permitted to operate diagnostic imaging devices.
  • Maintaining the shortest possible exposure and examination times. The shorter the exposure to the energy used by these machines can be kept, the safer a patient will be. Some conditions, injuries, etc. will require longer exposure to be properly monitored or diagnosed. Regardless of their reason for requiring a scan, their safety regarding exposure should always be considered.

For more information on Phoenix diagnostic ultrasound equipment, safety, and service, contact the local industry professionals at Diagnostic X-Ray Consultation Services.