Authors' objectives:

To assess the safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the use of ultrasound in antenatal care and in primary care.

Authors' results and conclusions: Use of ultrasound in antenatal care: There is sufficient evidence that ultrasound is effective in dating pregnancy, assessing the viability of foetus, diagnosing twin pregnancy, diagnosing intrauterine growth retardation, diagnosis of placenta praevia, and detection of congenital abnormalities. There is also evidence of effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound in detection of congenital abnormalities, retained products of conception, and predicting pre-term labour. There is sufficient evidence that routine ultrasound in antenatal care or ultrasound examination in low-risk population does not improve the outcome of pregnancy. Use of ultrasound in gynaecology: There is sufficient evidence that ultrasound is effective in detecting ectopic pregnancy, screening for ovarian cancer, and detecting uterine abnormalities. Use of Ultrasound in Surgery: There is sufficient evidence that the quality of ultrasound is effective in diagnosing abdominal trauma, appendicitis, breast lesions, and gall bladder lesions like stones and tumors. Training: There is sufficient evidence that the quality of ultrasound is determined by the level of training and experience of operators, and that appropriate training should be provided to those carrying out ultrasonography. Cost implications: For antenatal screening, there is sufficient evidence that routine ultrasound screening for low-risk population is not cost-effective. Ethical implications: There are ethical issues that need to be considered in providing ultrasonography services. Legal Aspects of Ultrasound: There are legal issues to be considered in carrying out ultrasoonography.

Authors' recommendations: There is sufficient evidence to recommend that routine antenatal screening not be carried out in the low risk population. However, ultrasound screening should be carried out for high risk mothers. In addition, it should be used for diagnosis of various conditions in pregnancy or to rule out these conditions. Ultrasound is also recommended in secondary and tertiary care for diagnosis of gynecological and surgical conditions. Training has to be provided for all those involved in providing ultrasonography services Ethical and legal implications need to be considered.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.moh.gov.my/

Year Published: 2004

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Unit

Contact Address: Health Technology Assessment Unit, Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Level 21, PERKIM Building, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 603 4045 7781, Fax: 603 4045 77 40

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Unit (MHTAU)