Building a Culture of Ultrasound Safety: ALARA, Technology, & Clinical Best Practices

ULTRASOUND SOLUTIONS CORP. is pleased to introduce Jennifer Bagley, MPH, RDMS, RVT, FAIUM, FSDMS, Sonography Program Director at the University of Oklahoma, for an informative session that explains and explores the principles of ALARA (“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”) for ultrasound.

Course Description:

This presentation reviews the history and rationale behind the ultrasound Output Display Standard and explores the biological effects of ultrasound, current safety research, and published clinical guidelines. Participants will learn practical strategies for monitoring safety indices, reducing patient exposure through system and practice adjustments, and addressing safety implications of emerging technologies. Additional topics include transducer quality assurance, infection control, and development of a comprehensive ultrasound safety program. (Approved for 1 SDMS CME credit, provided one is present for the entire event)

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this educational activity, the participant will be able to:

• Summarize the historical development of ultrasound safety research and FDA regulations leading to the current Output Display Standard.
• Explain the acoustic and tissue-related factors that contribute to ultrasound bioeffects.
• Interpret the Output Display Standard (ODS), including the Thermal and Mechanical Indices, during clinical examinations.
• Apply ALARA principles through practical system settings and scanning techniques to minimize patient exposure.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and additional safety considerations, including transducer quality assurance and infection control, in the context of a comprehensive ultrasound safety program.

About Our Speaker:

Jennifer Bagley, MPH, RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM, is a Presidential Professor and Sonography Program Director in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus. Her academic and professional career has been strongly focused on ultrasound bioeffects, sonographer safety, and evidence-based scanning practices.

Ms. Bagley served as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Liaison to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Bioeffects Committee from 2009 to 2025 and was an elected member of the committee from 2013 to 2023. She also served as a member and liaison to the AIUM Technical Standards Committee. Jennifer contributed to the 4th and 5th edition revisions of Medical Ultrasound Safety, the sentinel guidance publication on ultrasound bioeffects and safety. In addition, she participated in the development of the current AIUM official statement, Recommended Maximum Scanning Times for Displayed Thermal Index (TI) Values.

Ultrasound safety has constituted the foundation of her research, scholarly publications, and professional service. Her national leadership and sustained contributions to the advancement of sonographer safety practices have been recognized with multiple honors, including the AIUM Distinguished Sonographer Award in 2022 and the SDMS Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award in 2025.  

This activity is an approved SDMS CME activity – approved for 1.0 SDMS CME credit.

Please note that partial credit will not be issued.

The CME participant roster will be reported by Ultrasound Solutions Corp. to the

SDMS CME Tracker System.

Important update from the SDMS:

SDMS no longer allows its CME providers to issue Partial Credit for attendance. If you join late or leave early, the SDMS will no longer permit us to award partial pro-rated credit.

Therefore, from now on, in order to receive CME credit, you must be in attendance for the ENTIRE event via your own unique Zoom link that Zoom emailed to you when you registered. Then, and only then, will USC be able to award you any credit. So, please be prompt and attentive to the time schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience, but again, this is a new SDMS policy we must abide by. Thank you for understanding.