Abstract
This book is a timely revision and update on the safety considerations surrounding the use of ultrasound in medical diagnosis. The previous two editions of this book were published in 1991 and 2000, the latter publication euphemistically referred to as ‘the green safety book due to its iridescent green cover. This edition, like its predecessors, provides a comprehensive overview of the safety of ultrasound including potential bioeffects, the thermal and nonthermal effects of ultrasound, the epidemiological studies associated with prenatal ultrasound and perhaps of most clinical daily relevance, the guidelines and recommendations for the safe use of diagnostic ultrasound. The book is written in an accessible and well-organized manner, (with a well-referenced glossary and index) by acknowledged world experts in the field, many of whom are based within the UK. Each chapter starts with clear concise summary notes highlighting the main take-home points. In addition, the side-bar notes, scattered throughout each chapter, emphasize key statements within specific paragraphs. Each chapter is well referenced with key references at the end of each chapter guiding the more interested to deeper research. The figures and tables are relatively few, but are clear and well-presented.
The tables and figure in Chapter 11 are of particular note, providing concise tabulated guidance on recommended exposure times and index values for both obstetric and non-obstetric and neonatal and non-neonatal ultrasound scans. The importance of these recommendations and guidelines is put into context within Chapter 3, where the acoustic output of diagnostic scanners in B-mode, pulsed Doppler and colour Doppler is shown to have increased by 50–75% from 1998 to 2010. Additionally, an area of particular recent interest is in the safe use of ultrasonic contrast agents. This chapter has been significantly revised since the last edition to include a section on drug approval and regulation and a review of the adverse events’ which prompted the re-evaluation of the labelling of some ultrasonic contrast agents in 2007. References to relevant guidance materials on conducting ultrasound contrast studies are included in this chapter.
In conclusion, this book will be useful to every sonographic practitioner. Those starting their ultrasound training will find good advice on how to adhere to the as low as reasonably achievable principle and those more established in the field of ultrasound imaging a welcome update to the previous edition. Moreover, the publication of this 3rd edition of The Safe Use of Ultrasound in Medical Diagnosis is sponsored by the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS), the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) and the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL) resulting in a complimentary copy of this book currently available FREE on the BMUS web-site (http://www.bmus.org/policies-guides/pg-safetystatements.asp). A hard copy is available from the BMUS office for standard P&P charge.