Entertainment Ultrasound

Using Ultrasound for Entertainment Purposes

View materials published by the AIUM on this topic and related information

Ultrasound practices facing pressure from their patients to perform entertainment sonograms can print out and distribute this information sheet, which explains to their patients why sonograms should be performed only when medically indicated:
Why Sonograms Should Be Performed Only When Medically Indicated (pdf)
Introduction of Legislation Prohibiting Nonmedical Ultrasounds (pdf)

Press Release -	Beyond Tom Cruise - the Bigger Ultrasound Picture
Press Release -	AIUM Discourages the Sale and Use of Ultrasound Equipment for Personal Use in the Home
Press Release -	The AIUM Releases New Statement Regarding Keepsake Imaging
Press Release -	AIUM Opposes Use of Ultrasound for Entertainment
Press Release -	The AIUM Reaffirms Its Opposition To Entertainment Ultrasound

Official Statements

Keepsake Fetal Imaging
Prudent Use and Clinical Safety
Interpretation of Ultrasound Examinations

Related Newsletter Articles

(published in AIUM Sound Waves)
August 2009 (pdf) - see page 3
January 2006 (pdf) - see page 1
October 2005 (pdf) - see page 4
September 2005 (pdf) - see page 6
February 2003 (pdf) - see page 5
January 2003 (pdf)
October 2002 (pdf)
September 2002 (pdf) - see page 2 in "Letter to Members"

Connecticut Becomes the First State to Ban Entertainment Ultrasound

The following may be used as a template for encouraging states to enact legislation banning entertainment ultrasound:

• Letter of Testimony to Connecticut State Legislature
• Manuscript from Safety Symposium on Entertainment Scans held at the ISUOG
• AIUM Official Statement on Keepsake Fetal Imaging
• ACOG Committee Opinion on "Non-Medical Use of Obstetric Ultrasonography"
• FDA Statement on "Fetal Keepsake Videos"

The FDA's Statement on "Fetal Keepsake Videos"

How to Report Companies Promoting the Nonmedical Use of Ultrasound

To contact the FDA directly:
William Maloney
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
2098 Gaither Road
Rockville, MD 20850
HFZ-322

Phone: 301-594-4591
Fax: 301-594-4636

Contact your state medical board:
A directory of 70 state medical boards is located at the Federation of State Medical Board website http://www.fsmb.org/.

If you would prefer for the AIUM to contact the FDA on your behalf, please send information to:
AIUM
Attn: Therese Cooper
14750 Sweitzer Lane, Suite 100
Laurel, MD 20707

Phone: 301-498-4100
Fax: 301-498-4450
E-mail: tcooper@aium.org