GE Vscan Air Manual page 55

System controls affecting acoustic output
Key principles for the safe use of ultrasound
–
Vscan Air User Manual
Direction GP092020-1EN Rev 18
The operator controls that directly affect the acoustic output are
discussed in the Acoustic Output Data Tables. These tables
show the highest possible acoustic intensity for a given mode,
obtainable only when the maximum combination of control
settings is selected. Most settings result in a lower output.
The British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) has given the
following guidance related to the safe use of ultrasound
• Medical ultrasound imaging should only be used for medical
diagnosis.
• Ultrasound equipment should only be used by people who
are fully trained in its safe and proper operation.
This requires:
- an appreciation of the potential thermal and mechanical
bio-effects of ultrasound,
- a full awareness of equipment settings
- an understanding of the effects of machine settings on
power levels.
• Examination times should be kept as short as is necessary
to produce a useful diagnostic result.
• Output levels should be kept as low as is reasonably
achievable whilst producing a useful diagnostic result.
• The operator should aim to stay within the BMUS
recommended scan times (especially for obstetric
examinations).
• Scans in pregnancy should not be carried out for the sole
purpose of producing souvenir videos or photographs.
Important safety considerations
2-19