A new research study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR) found that unlike other modalities, linens and disposable supplies account for the vast majority of ultrasound's annual carbon emissions – not equipment energy use.
The study, Harmonizing Diagnostic Ultrasound Practice with Environmental Sustainability: A Life Cycle Assessment of Diagnostic Ultrasound in a Single Adult University Hospital , determined that linens (35%) and other single-use supplies (34%) accounted for most of ultrasound's greenhouse gas emissions, whereas production (7%) and energy use (3%) of the ultrasound equipment were minor contributors.
The article encourages the use of alternative materials and products with lower environmental impacts, such as sustainably-sourced organic cotton for linens, and compostable alternatives to plastic products.
"We are excited to share this work as the results highlight both the low energy use of ultrasound and the potential impact of contentious supply use," said lead author Katherine Frederick-Dyer, MD, Director of Body MRI, Vanderbilt Health. "While linens and disposable supplies were the greatest contributors to the carbon footprint of ultrasound, strategies to optimize their use can be implemented across radiology department modalities for an even greater impact. By identifying supplies such as linens as a major driver of environmental impact in ultrasound imaging, our study highlights the need to look beyond equipment and take a more comprehensive, systems-based approach to sustainability."
This study is part of the JACR's April Focus on Sustainability issue that delves into a variety of topics including starting points on energy management and clean energy sourcing, supply chain stewardship, and the broader question of appropriate utilization.
"We need to think more about how our technological processes from end-to-end contribute to healthcare emissions, because most of the technology in a health system lives with us in radiology — MRI machines, CT machines and now AI," added guest editor Florence X. Doo, MD, MA, Director of Innovation at the University of Maryland Medical Intelligence Imaging Center. "Sustainability is starting to be framed more as a quality improvement and operational efficiency problem. We need to do this right to reduce waste, improve our energy and optimize our workflow so we can do better as radiologists."
