AN AUDIT OF THE ROLE OF THE SONOGRAPHER IN NON-OBSTETRIC ULTRASOUND

In order to investigate the role of the sonographer in non-obstetric u ltrasound, 1046 consecutive non-obstetric ultrasound scans performed b y sonographers were audited, In 94% of cases, the report prepared by t he sonographer gave an accurate account of the findings. In 6.3% of re ports the radiologist provided additional comments, whilst in only 0.7 % of cases was the sonographer's report significantly altered. In the 630 patients in whom adequate follow-up data was available, there was a single instance of a false positive ultrasound finding but no other significant ultrasound inaccuracy. This audit indicates that the local arrangements for involving sonographers in a non-obstetric ultrasound service has resulted in agreed standards being met. It is suggested t hat sonographers can and should be involved more widely in the provisi on of non-obstetric ultrasound services.