Knowledge of the bio-effects of ultrasound among physicians performing clinical ultrasonography: Results of a survey conducted by the Italian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (SIUMB)

Introduction: Safety issues should always be kept in mind when using diagnostic ultrasound, which is associated with potentially hazardous bio-effects, especially with the introduction of new technologies. Aim: To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of safety issues related to the clinical use of ultrasound among physician-members of the Italian National Society for Ultrasound. Materials and methods: A questionnaire with 11 multiple-choice questions was sent to members of the Italian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. The answers were forwarded from the Society's Secretariat to the investigators, who statistically analyzed the data. Results: The mean age of the 105 respondents was 44 years. The most frequent kind of ultrasound examinations (in addition to conventional B-mode) were: Doppler (74%), contrast-enhanced US (43%), and pediatric studies (43%). Only 50-60% of the responders knew the correct definitions of the terms thermal index and mechanical index. Almost all respondents understood the bio-effects reflected by the thermal index, but only a minority knew the most likely organ target of bio-effects related to the mechanical index and what do indicate the units in which the thermal index is expressed. The majority knew that fetuses are at higher risk of damage. Few respondents were able to identify the correct safety statements included in the recommendations of the International Ultrasound Societies. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present findings indicate that greater efforts of National Ultrasound Societies are warranted in disseminating knowledge of the bio-effects of diagnostic ultrasound modalities among operators.