Background: Ultrasound has become the most widely practiced medical imaging\nexamination even in developing countries because of its non-irradiating,\nnon-invasive nature and its relatively affordable cost. Objective: The objective\nof this study was to review the practice of medical ultrasound in Lome\ncity. We carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study using the pre-established\nfact sheets. It took place from 16 August to 30 November 2013 in the healthcare\nfacilities of the city of Lome. Results: A total of 47 centers were surveyed,\nincluding 14 public centers and 33 private centers. The ultrasound scanners\nwere mostly acquired in the new state (59.6%) with only 34.1% of these ultrasound\nscanners equipped with the Doppler mode. There were 3 ultrasound\nscanners (6.4%) that had a 3D probe. Radiologists were the ones who carried\nout most of the ultrasound examinations in public centers, while in private\nthey accounted for half of the performers (45.5%). Physicians enrolled in a\nspecialty in radiology played a significant role in these private structures, accounting\nfor 24.2% of performers. Cardiac ultrasound was performed only in\n2 centers (4.2%). The ultrasound report was available in all public centers using\nthe pre-established and standardized forms. The qualification of sonographers\nand the status of ultrasound scanners are relatively acceptable. Conclusion:\nUltrasound scanners were mostly acquired in new condition. Radiologists\nremained the ones who carried out the largest number of ultrasound\nexamination in Lome.
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