An audit of the role of the sonographer in non-obstetric ultrasound.

In order to investigate the role of the sonographer in non-obstetric ultrasound, 1046 consecutive non-obstetric ultrasound scans performed by sonographers were audited. In 94% of cases, the report prepared by the sonographer gave an accurate account of the findings. In 6.3% of reports 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 that sonographers can and should be involved more widely in the provision of non-obstetric ultrasound services.