Utility of ultrasound for sex determination is a big problem not only in India but Asia as a whole. The only way to stop it is to mount a campaign through media to discourage such use and to enforce the existing law banning such practices. In addition the government of India should take active part in educating the masses and regulating the proliferation of sex determination centres, said Dr Vikram Dogra, director, Radiology Residency Program, USA.

Ultrasound is the primary and sole imaging modality in key areas. It is also the primary choice for imaging paediatric emergencies such as appendicitis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Its role in neonatal neuroimaging cannot be ignored. In USA, ultrasound is the preferred modality for image-guided biopsies.

Revealing the current trends in USA, Dr Dogra said that the focus of ultrasound in USA is gradually shifting from being a simple diagnostic modality to a therapeutic modality. Ultrasound is currently utilised for gene delivery, drug delivery and in the treatment of cancers utilizing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU is also being tried for hemostasis and he is personally involved in developing a system to control the post biopsy hemorrhage with the help of HIFU. Other areas of treatment include uterine fibroids.

In USA, ultrasound is one of the major specialties with fellowships solely dedicated to it. It is also one of the specialties for which all candidates are tested separately in the written as well as in the oral American Board of Radiology Examination. Ultrasound is a very popular field in radiology in USA and many positions are available in this field.

The USA observes 'Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month' in October every year to increase the public's knowledge about the importance of ultrasound in healthcare. India may also implement it, which will increase the public awareness and utility of ultrasound from a simple tool for sex determination to a full-fledged diagnostic imaging modality.