Chison ECO 2 - Page 22

ECO 2 Ultrasound Diagnostic System
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 Diagnostic ultrasound procedures should be done only by personnel fully trained in the use of
the equipment, in the interpretation of the results and images, and in the safe use of ultrasound
(including education as to potential hazards).
 Operators should understand the likely influence of the machine controls, the operating mode
(e.g. B-mode) and probe frequency on thermal and cavitation hazards.
 Select a low setting for each new patient. Output should only be increased during the
examination if penetration is still required to achieve a satisfactory result, and after the Gain
control has been moved to its maximum value.
 Maintain the shortest examination time necessary to produce a useful diagnostic result.
 Do not hold the probe in a fixed position for any longer than is necessary. The frozen frame and
Cine loop capabilities allow images to be reviewed and discussed without exposing the patient to
continuous scanning.
 Do not use endo-cavitary probes if there is noticeable self heating of the probe when operating
in the air. Although applicable to any probe, take particular care during trans- vaginal exams during
the first eight weeks of gestation.
 Take particular care to reduce output and minimize exposure time of an embryo or fetus when
the temperature of the mother is already elevated.
 Take particular care to reduce the risk of thermal hazard during diagnostic ultrasound when
exposing: an embryo less than eight weeks after gestation; or the head, brain or spine of any fetus
or neonate.
 Operators should continually monitor the on-screen thermal index (TI) and mechanical index
(MI) values and use control settings that keep these settings as low as possible while still
achieving diagnostically useful results. In obstetric examinations, TIS (soft tissue thermal index)
should be monitored during scans carried out in the first eight weeks after gestation, and TIB
(bone thermal index) thereafter. In applications where the probe is very close to bone (e.g.
trans-cranial applications), TIC (cranial bone thermal index) should be monitored.
MI> 0.3 there is a possibility of minor damage to neonatal lung or intestine. If such exposure is