Assessment of the Thermal and Non-thermal Impact of Ultrasound

Abstract

The research was conducted on the topic “Assessment Of The Thermal And Non-Thermal Impact Of Ultrasound, A Case Study Of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika Zaria”. Ultrasound sonography is an imaging technique of generating images using a very high frequency sound wave. Sound is a mechanical, vibration form of energy. Ultrasound for medical imaging is generated in special crystalline materials which, when electrically excited, are capable of vibrating at frequencies of millions of vibrations per second. The aim of this research seeks to assess the impact of thermal biophysical effect of ultrasound, to assess the impact of non-thermal biophysical effect of ultrasound and to also determine the  ways of maintaining and controlling the effects of ultrasound. It was a descriptive and cross sectional study. This is a kind of research/study that be conducted for a particular cases to determine the impact of thermal and non-thermal biophysical effect of ultrasound.  The sample size used by the researcher is 50 which were drawn from the population (50). By means of non-probability method in particularly convenient method in which not everybody has equal chance of been chosen. The instrument for data collection adopted by the researcher was questionnaire and interview, the researcher used a structured questionnaire with statement designed to elicit response from respondents. The questionnaire was structured into two sections. Section (A) was structured to elicit bio data while section (B-D) was designed using the 5 point liker scale to elicit responses from respondent on various aspect of thermal and non-thermal impact of Ultrasound. No confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposure at intensities typical of present diagnostic ultrasound instruments have ever been reported. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present. Currently used US scanners have higher acoustic power, which is potentially hazardous in certain applications, such as obstetrics and neonatology. As the clinical applications of US increase rapidly in Nigeria, we should create safety awareness and emphasize the safety aspects of diagnostic US.