LAUREL, MD—The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is pleased to announce the release of Medical Ultrasound Safety, Second Edition. All operators of ultrasound systems with an output display should review the information in this publication. The book consists of 3 parts: Bioeffects and Biophysics, Prudent Use, and Implementing ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). With the information from this 64 page publication, users can better control the diagnostic ultrasound equipment and examination to ensure that needed diagnostic information is obtained with minimal risk to the patient.
A new feature of this edition is the inclusion of a CME self-study test at the end of each section. Individuals who successfully complete all 3 self-study tests can earn up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (accepted by the ARDMS) or ARRT Category A Credits. Fees for CME credits apply, and instructions for test submission are included within the publication.
Over 140,000 copies of the first edition have been sold since 1994, attesting to the popularity and critical nature of the publication. Marvin C. Ziskin, MD, Chairman of the Revision Task Force, states in the preface to the second edition that "Many technological advances in ultrasonic scanning have occurred since the publication of the first edition". Ziskin goes on to emphasize the importance of education and awareness in health care practice to ensure its safe and practical use:
"The improved instrumentation has fostered an ever-increasing range of clinical applications. Ultrasound imaging has become an integral part of virtually all areas of medicine. The number of ultrasound examinations has continually increased and is now in the millions each year. Along with this increased use there is a significant benefit to more patients, but at the same time more individuals are exposed to greater amounts of ultrasound energy. Furthermore, some new techniques, such as the introduction of contrast agents, significantly increase the risk of possible harmful effects from ultrasound examinations. Health care professionals need to be concerned that patients are not exposed to any unnecessary risk. The purpose of this manual is to help the health professional be aware of the potential harmful effects of ultrasound and how to minimize their occurrence."
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health suggests to manufacturers that they provide a copy of Medical Ultrasound Safety with ultrasound equipment they sell. This publication meets the FDA recommendations (Track 3.4.1) for education programs for the clinical end-user. A licensing agreement for Medical Ultrasound Safety is available for manufacturers. Details on this opportunity may be obtained by contacting the AIUM fulfillment coordinator at 301-498-4100.
Medical Ultrasound Safety may be purchased online through the AIUM website at www.aium.org or by calling 301-498-4100.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is a multidisciplinary association dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of guidelines, and accreditation.