TY - JOUR T1 - Benchmarking Acoustic Parameters During Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning for Patient Safety AU - K. Hagi, Sarah AU - A. Khafaji, Mawya JO - Research Journal of Medical Sciences VL - 7 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 4 PY - 2013 DA - 2001/08/19 SN - 1815-9346 DO - rjmsci.2013.1.4 UR - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=rjmsci.2013.1.4 KW - Acoustic output indices KW -ultrasound KW -patient safety KW -thermal index KW -mechanical index KW -bioeffects AB - Background advancement in acoustic technology has led to an increase in ultrasound machine output which has the potential to increase thermal and mechanical effects in tissue. The safety committee of the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) has emphasised the importance of monitoring output levels during clinical ultrasound. The objective of this study is to assess Acoustic Output Indices (AOI) used at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Saudi Arabia and to benchmark the current practice with a survey conducted by BMUS. A questionnaire was used to collect data during every ultrasound scan performed between June 2nd and 23rd, 2011. The data collected consisted of type and duration of scan, ultrasound machine parameters and output indices (mechanical and thermal). About 408 scans were conducted using 10 different machines. Scan types were: abdominal, obstetrics, pelvic, transvaginal and small parts. Scan time ranged from 2-36 min. Maximum Thermal (TI) and Mechanical (MI) indices recorded were 1.3 and 1.5, respectively. Scans performed complied with the safety guidelines set by BMUS. However, the recommended scan time was exceeded during 2 (1.5%) obstetric scans. Further efforts in educating and training sonographers regarding the risks of thermal and mechanical hazards are needed. ER -