Entertainment Ultrasound
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 to patients as souvenirs or keepsakes . The business of entertainment ultrasound took off simply because anyone can buy and own an ultrasound machine , with no licenses or certifications needed . This means that 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 U . S . Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) is finding that entertainment ultrasounds are unsafe . The FDA also states that they constitute 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 . This is because 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 civilians are performing inaccurate scans on patients right from their own homes , which can lead to misdiagnosed patients . The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine ( AIUM ) strongly discourages the non-medical use of ultrasound for entertainment purposes . The use of either two-dimensional ( 2D ) or three-dimensional ( 3D ) ultrasound only to 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 RDMSs Take Over ?
Only Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ( RDMSs ) are educated in the machinery and anatomy of the ultrasound field . Having certifications and registrations will help patients be more reliant on clinics and will prevent future misdiagnoses . To keep these malpractices from occurring , restrictions should be put into place . Patient safety and diagnostic excellence are important , and they are best achieved through education , certification , and accreditation of ultrasound facilities .
In Five Years
Dr . Holdorf asked Junior students where they pictured themselves in five years . We all drew a picture of ourselves doing what we love : performing ultrasounds for our chosen specialty !
Diagnostic
Medical Sonography