Entertainment Ultrasound :
Should Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers take over the use of ultrasound machines completely ?
Non-medical fetal ultrasound imaging is just one example of entertainment ultrasound , this includes three-dimensional ( 3D ) and four-dimensional ( 4D ) imaging of the fetus . These entertainment images are given as a “ souvenir ” or a “ keepsake ” for patients . The business of entertainment ultrasound took off simply because anyone can buy and own an ultrasound machine , no licenses or certifications needed . Additionally , the staff at these ultrasound clinics may not have the proper training or education required to safely perform scans . As more of these entertainment ultrasound businesses boom , the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) is finding entertainment ultrasounds unsafe . The FDA also states that it constitutes the unapproved use of a medical device .
Why is entertainment ultrasound unsafe ?
Ultrasounds should not be used solely to identify fetal sex unless there is a medical reason for the scan . Unnecessary scans may put the fetus at risk . The purchase of an ultrasound machine for private , at home use prompts inappropriate operation of a medical device . Unregistered and uneducated individuals are performing inaccurate scans on patients right from their own homes . This can lead to many misdiagnosed patients . The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine ( AIUM ) strongly discourages the nonmedical use of ultrasound for entertainment purposes . The use of either two-dimensional ( 2D ) or three-dimensional ( 3D ) ultrasound to only view the fetus , obtain a picture of the fetus , or determine the fetal gender without a medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice .
Should RDMS take over ?
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ( RDMS ) are educated in the machinery and anatomy of the ultrasound field . Having certifications and registrations help patients be more reliant on the clinics which can prevent future misdiagnosis . To prevent malpractice , additional restrictions need to be put in place . Patient safety and diagnostic excellence are important and are best achieved through education , certification and accreditation of RDMS .
Cheyenne
Intern
Diagnostic Medical Sonography