Ultrasound and chromosome damage

Abstract

It has been suggested previously that ultrasonic radiation at diagnostic power and frequency ranges causes chromosome damage. In this study human peripheral blood was insonated in a system of total reflection for two hours with continuous wave and pulsed ultrasound within the frequency range of 1 to 2·5 MHz and up to 8 W cm⁻² total power output. Insonation time was increased up to 20 hours. Experimental techniques also included through transmission of ultrasonic energy. Plasma cultures were also examined for chromosome aberrations. Under none of these conditions was there a significant increase in the number of chromosome aberrations when compared with control samples.