Sonoscape S30 - Biohazard Considerations; Acoustic Power Principle; Biological Safety; Alara

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Service Manual
2 Safety
2.2.4 Biohazard Considerations
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To minimize the risk of cross-contamination or infectious diseases when per-
forming the biopsy, the operator should wear disposable gloves, protective clothing
or protective goggle if it is needed. Follow the working regulations strictly in case
the skin contacts the samples.
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Some disinfectants are acid or alkaline, the operator should take cautions in
preventing hands or clothing from being directly contact with them. Wash hands or
eyes immediately if they are contaminated by the disinfectants.
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Dispose of the cleaners, disinfectants or discard solutions in accordance with the
local standards or regulations.
2.3 Acoustic Power Principle
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Perform ultrasound procedures prudently under the guidance of the ALARA (as low
as reasonably achievable) principle. Expose the patient to only the lowest practical
transmit power levels in the shortest possible period to achieve a satisfactory
diagnosis.
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Although the output power is automatically controlled for the selected applications,
high TI values should be kept to a minimum or avoided in obstetric applications.
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You should be familiar with the performances and operations of the system, observe
the ultrasound output parameters on the screen all the time.
2.3.1 Biological Safety
Diagnostic ultrasound is recognized as being safe, but the possibility of biological effects exists
when using it in high exposure levels and long exposure times. Thus ultrasound should be used in a
prudent manner to provide medical benefit to the patient.
2.3.2 ALARA
It is required to practice ALARA when using ultrasound energy. Practicing ALARA ensures that the
total energy level is controlled below a low enough level at which bioeffects are not generated while
diagnostic information is being accumulated. The total energy is controlled by output intensity and
total radiation time. The output intensity necessary for examinations differs depending on the patient
and the clinical case.
Not all examinations can be performed with an extremely low level of acoustic energy. Controlling
the acoustic level at an extremely low level leads to low-quality images or insufficient Doppler
signals, adversely affecting the reliability of the diagnosis. However, increasing the acoustic power
more than necessary does not always contribute to an increase in quality of information required for
diagnosis, rather increasing the risk of generating bioeffects.