<scp>AIUM</scp> Practice Parameter for the Performance of Standard Diagnostic Obstetric Ultrasound
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Abstract
is a multidisciplinary association dedicated to advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of clinical practice parameters, and accreditation of practices performing ultrasound examinations.The AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Standard Diagnostic Obstetric Ultrasound was revised by the AIUM in collaboration with other organizations whose members use ultrasound for performing this examination(s) (see "Acknowledgments").Recommendations for personnel requirements, the request for the examination, documentation, quality assurance, and safety may vary among the organizations and may be addressed by each separately.This practice parameter is intended to provide the medical ultrasound community with recommendations for the performance and recording of high-quality ultrasound examinations.The parameters reflect what the AIUM considers the appropriate criteria for this type of ultrasound examination but are not intended to establish a legal standard of care.Examinations performed in this specialty area are expected to follow the parameter with recognition that deviations may occur depending on the clinical situation.Obstetric ultrasound should be performed only when there is a valid medical reason, and the lowest possible acoustic output settings should be used to gain the necessary diagnostic information. [1]][3] Although this practice parameter describes the key elements of standard ultrasound examinations in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, a more detailed fetal anatomic examination may be necessary in some cases, such as when an abnormality is found or suspected on the standard examination or in pregnancies at high risk for fetal anomaly. 4In some cases, other imaging may be necessary as well.Although it is not possible to detect all structural congenital anomalies with diagnostic ultrasound, adherence to the following practice parameters will increase the likelihood of detecting many fetal abnormalities.