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Routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy

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SBU Assessment

Presents a comprehensive, systematic assessment of available scientific evidence for effects on health, social welfare or disability. Full assessments include economic, social and ethical impact analyses. Assessment teams include professional practitioners and academics. Before publication the report is reviewed by external experts, and scientific conclusions approved by the SBU Board of Directors.

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Published: Report no: 139

Assessment Objectives

The purpose of this assessment has been to investigate the medical benefits of routine ultrasound during pregnancy and the risks to the mother and child, including the short-term and long-term physical risks and the psychological impact. The assessment also includes an analysis of economic costs. The Swedish government commissioned SBU to conduct this assessment.

Assessment Strategy

Systematic literature search and critical appraisal of the data.

Data Collection

Systematic review of relevant databases, mainly MEDLINE. For psychological and ethical aspects, the databases PsycInfo, Bioethics, Cinahl, Spriline, and Swemed were also searched.

Current journals and reports addressing the topic, and reference lists from relevant publications were reviewed.

Review of the Manuscript

Internal review by the project group, the SBU Board of Directors, the SBU Scientific Advisory Committee, and external review by three experts.

How to cite this report: SBU. Routine ultrasound examination during pregnancy. Stockholm: Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU); 1998. SBU report no 139 (in Swedish).

Project group

  • Hagenfeldt K
  • Alton V
  • Axelsson O
  • Blennow M
  • Bojö F
  • Bygdeman M
  • Crang-Svalenius E
  • Jörgensen C
  • Lagercrantz H
  • Marké L-Å
  • Marsál K
  • Salvesen K
  • Valentin L
  • Wistrand-Lavotha A
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