Ultrasound Research Papers

Ultrasound imaging should be performed professionally and only when clinically pointed out to decrease fetal contact risk using the keeping acoustic output levels As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle. Ultrasonography consist of the use of sound waves and is not a form of ionizing radiation. There have been no news of recognized conflicting fetal effects for diagnostic ultrasonography measures, as well as duplex Doppler imaging.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits the spatial-peak temporal average intensity of ultrasound transducers to 720 mW/cm2. At this intensity, the theoretical increase in temperature elevation for the fetus may be as high as 2°C.
Yet, it is extremely improbable that any sustained temperature rise
will take place at any sole fetal anatomic location. The danger of temperature rise is lowest with B-mode imaging and is higher with color Doppler and spectral Doppler applications. Ultrasound machines are built differently for different indications. One’s arranged for use in obstetrics do not produce the higher temperatures sent by machines using no obstetric transducers and settings. Correspondingly, even though color Doppler in specific has the highest potential to increase tissue temperature, however when used suitably for obstetric signs, it does not produce changes that would threaten the health of the pregnancy. Though, the probability for danger displays that ultrasonography should be used wisely and only when its use is probable to answer a pertinent medical question or else provide medical advantage to the patient. When it is used in this way and with equipment that are constructed correctly, ultrasonography does not pose a danger to the fetus or the pregnancy.
Maternal sickness during pregnancy is not unusual and sometimes involves radiographic imaging for suitable diagnosis and treatment. The patient and her doctor may be worried about possible damage to the fetus from radiation exposure. In truth, though, the risks to the developing fetus are fairly small. The known collective dose of ionizing radiation during pregnancy is 5 rad, and no sole diagnostic study overdoes this maximum. Such as, the extent of exposure to the fetus from a two view chest x-ray of the mother is 0.00007 rad. The most sensitive time period for central nervous system teratogenesis is between 10 and 17 weeks of development. Nonurgent radiologic testing should be avoided at all costs during this time. Unusual concerns of prenatal radiation contact include a slim increase in the occurrence of childhood leukemia and, perhaps, a small change in the incidence of genetic mutations. Such exposure is not a sign for pregnancy termination. Suitable counseling of patients prior radiologic studies are done is serious.
Numerous women become ill while pregnant and call for severe medical care, including radiographic imaging with ionizing radiation. Exposure of a fetus to radiation can be disturbing to parents and is dealt with by the over-all community with less objectivity than is apparent with contact to nearly any other agent. Physicians are even at times recognized to approach this subject in a prejudiced and unscientific way, leading to deprived patient care and unsuitable advice. With x-ray practice rates above an average of more than one study for every person in the United States each year, it is very vital for primary care doctors to have a strong insight of the real risks and benefits of radiographic studies during pregnancy. For the reason that some studies will be done before a pregnancy is known, even doctors not regularly providing prenatal care should comprehend these issues. Family physicians must be prepared to advice expectant mothers requiring radiographic imaging and women who have previously been exposed. They should also have a secure reasoning for ordering such studies when working together with other doctors.
Pregnancy is a period to take good care of yourself and your unborn child.
Numerous things are particularly significant during pregnancy, such as eating right, cutting out cigarettes and alcohol, and being careful about the medicine and over-the-counter drugs you take. Diagnostic x-rays and other medical radiation procedures of the stomach area also deserve extra care during pregnancy. These precise topics help understand the issues concerning x-ray contact during pregnancy. Diagnostic x-rays can give the doctor significant and even life-saving material about a person's medical condition. However like many things, diagnostic x-rays have risks as well as benefits. They should be used only when they will give the doctor information needed to treat you. You will most likely never need an abdominal x-ray during pregnancy. However sometimes, because of a specific medical condition, your doctor may feel that a diagnostic x-ray of your abdomen or lower torso is desired. If this were to happen do not be upset. The danger to you and your unborn child is very small, and the advantage of finding out about your medical condition is far greater. In fact, the danger of not having a desired x-ray could be much greater than the risk from the radiation. Even small risks should not be taken if they're unnecessary. You can reduce those risks by telling your doctor if you are, or think you might be, pregnant whenever an abdominal x-ray is ordered. If you are pregnant, the doctor may decide
that it would be best to call off the x-ray examination, to postpone it, or to adjust it to reduce the amount of radiation. Or, depending on your medical needs, and understanding that the risk is very small, the doctor may feel that it is best to proceed with the x-ray as planned. In any case, you should feel free to discuss the decision with your doctor.
What Kind of X-Rays Can Affect the Unborn Child? During most x-ray examinations like those of the arms, legs, head, teeth, or chest your reproductive organs are not exposed to the direct x-ray beam. So these kinds of procedures, when properly done, do not involve any risk to the unborn child. However, x-rays of the mother's lower torso - abdomen, stomach, pelvis, lower back, or kidneys may expose the unborn child to the direct x-ray beam. They are of more concern.
What Are the Possible Effects of X-Rays?
There is scientific difference about whether the small dosage of radiation used in diagnostic radiology can in fact harm the unborn child, but it is known that the unborn child is very sensitive to the effects of things like radiation, certain drugs, excess alcohol, and infection. This is correct, in part, because the cells are rapidly dividing and growing into specialized cells and tissues. If radiation or other agents were to cause changes in these cells, there could be a somewhat increased chance of birth flaws or certain illnesses, such as leukemia, later in life. It should be pointed out, however, that the mainstream of birth defects and childhood diseases occur even if the mother is not exposed to any known harmful agent during pregnancy. Scientists believe that heredity and random errors in the developing process are accountable for most of these
problems.
What If I'm X-Rayed Before I Know I'm Pregnant? Don't be alarmed. Recall that the likelihood of any damage to you and your unborn child from an x-ray is very small. There are, though, unusual situations in which a woman who is unaware of her pregnancy may receive a very large number of abdominal x-rays over a short period. Or she may receive radiation treatment of the lower torso. Under these circumstances, the woman should converse the possible risks with her doctor.
How You Can Help Minimize the Risks : Most significant, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be. This is significant for many medical decisions, such as drug prescriptions and nuclear medicine procedures, as well as x-rays. And remember, this is true even in the very early weeks of pregnancy. Occasionally, a woman may misdiagnose the symptoms of pregnancy for the symptoms of a disease. If you have any of the symptoms of pregnancy nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, fatigue think through whether you might be pregnant and tell your doctor or x-ray technologist before having an x-ray of the lower torso. A pregnancy test may be called for. If you are pregnant, or think you might be, do not hold a child who is being x-rayed. If you are not pregnant and you are asked to hold a child during an x-ray, be sure to ask for a lead apron to protect your reproductive organs. This is to stop damage to your genes that could be carried on and cause harmful effects in your future children. At any time an x-ray is demanded, tell your doctor about any similar x-rays you have had recently. It may not be needed to do another. It is a good idea to keep a record of the x-ray exams you and your family have had taken so you can provide this kind of information accurately. You should always feel comfortable to consult with your doctor about the need for an x-ray examination. As well as you should comprehend the reason x-rays are demanded in your specific case. X –Ray is made up of high-energy photons that are capable of harming DNA and producing corrosive free radicals. The patient's dose of photons is measured in the gray (Gy) and the rem, or in the older and more frequently recognized unit, the rad. The range of doses provided by common radiographs is drawn in the Table below.