Safety
90 KOSMOS User Guide
Biological safety
ALARA education program
The guiding principle for the use of diagnostic ultrasound is defined by the “as
low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) principle. The decision as to what is
reasonable has been left to the judgment and insight of qualified personnel
(users). No set of rules can be formulated that would be sufficiently complete to
dictate the correct response to every circumstance. By keeping ultrasound
exposure as low as possible, while obtaining diagnostic images, users can
minimize ultrasonic bioeffects.
Since the threshold for diagnostic ultrasound bioeffects is undetermined, users
are responsible for controlling total energy transmitted into the patient.
Reconcile exposure time with diagnostic image quality. To ensure diagnostic
image quality and limit exposure time, KOSMOS provides controls that can be
manipulated during the exam to optimize the results of the exam.
The ability of the user to abide by the ALARA principle is important. Advances in
diagnostic ultrasound, not only in the technology but in the applications of that
technology, have resulted in the need for more and better information to guide
users. The output display tables are designed to provide that important
information.
There are a number of variables which affect the way in which the output display
tables can be used to implement the ALARA principle. These variables include
index values, body size, location of the bone relative to the focal point,
attenuation in the body, and ultrasound exposure time. Exposure time is an
especially useful variable, because it is controlled by the user. The ability to limit
the index values over time supports the ALARA principle.
A generic ALARA education program is supplied with KOSMOS (see enclosed
ISBN 1-932962-30-1, Medical Ultrasound Safety).
Applying ALARA
The KOSMOS imaging mode used depends upon the information needed. B-
mode imaging provides anatomical information, while Color-mode imaging
provides information about blood flow.
To Next Page
Loading...
