In light of the recent concerns, highlighted in a news piece by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), in relation to the existence and role of private baby scan clinics, the Safety Committee of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) is taking this opportunity to state the Society’s position on the non-diagnostic use of ultrasound in obstetrics performed by non-trained practitioners.
ISUOG acknowledges the right of women to access private ultrasound scans in addition to those provided as routine care by the healthcare system. However, ISUOG warns of the potential consequences of the non-diagnostic use of ultrasound in pregnancy, by non-trained practitioners, both in terms of false reassurance and incorrect suspicion of anomalous findings.
False reassurance may lead to anomalies being missed, whether previously overlooked or evolving, which may impact on future management of the pregnancy in terms of antenatal monitoring and delivery planning. Incorrect suspicion of anomalous findings may cause maternal anxiety and trigger unnecessary further examinations and investigations.
As such, ISUOG endorses the distinction between clinics offering diagnostic obstetric or gynecological ultrasound, performed by practitioners who are trained, certified and recognised by national and/or professional bodies, and those settings undertaking ultrasound scans without these safeguards. ISUOG also endorses the fact that trained practitioners can perform ultrasound scans on maternal request, for medical or psychological reassurance as indicated, in an appropriately regulated setting and following the clinical recommendations and guidelines.
The 2021 statement of the Society on the non-diagnostic use of ultrasound in pregnancy is freely accessible here.
Andrea Dall’Asta and Christoph Lees, on behalf of the Board and Safety Committee of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG).