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The Independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) assessed the latest scientific evidence on the effects of ultrasound scanning.

PARENTS were urged to think carefully before having "souvenir" scans of their babies in the womb.

Their report found no evidence to suggest that diagnostic scans, to check on the health of unborn babies, increased their risk of death. They also found no effect on the risk of cancer. But the experts said that there had been unconfirmed reports suggesting possible effects on the child's developing nervous system, such as which hand they used.

AGNIR concluded that there was no established evidence that diagnostic levels of ultrasound were hazardous. But they said further research was needed to find out whether there were any long-term adverse effects.

They said this was particularly the case, given a trend of parents paying for extra ultrasound scans for souvenir images.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said parents should not hesitate in taking advantage of ultrasound scans for diagnostic purposes. But the agency said they should "consider the uncertainties" when deciding whether to have scans that did not have a diagnostic benefit and were only to provide "keepsake images".

Justin McCracken, HPA chief executive, said: "Overall, there is a track record of safety with diagnostic use of ultrasound, so people should continue using ultrasound for medical purposes. However, there are some uncertainties that need to be clarified through additional research."

Source: BBC News

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