Guidelines For Professional Working Standards Ultrasound Practice

1.6 Intimate Examinations
The definition of an intimate examination may differ between individual patients for ethnic, religious or
cultural reasons. In addition, some patients may have a clear preference for a health carer of specific
gender due to their ethnic, religious or cultural background, because of previous experiences or in view of
their age. Where possible such individual needs and preferences should be taken into consideration.
When conducting an intimate and/or invasive examination, the sonographer should:
• act with propriety and in a courteous and professional manner
• communicate sensitively and politely using professional terminology
• use a chaperone when appropriate
• respect the patient’s rights to dignity and privacy
• comply with departmental schemes of work and guidance
Patients should not be asked to remove clothing unnecessarily - when required private, warm, comfortable
and secure facilities for undressing and dressing should be provided. Care should be taken to ensure
privacy in waiting areas used by patients not fully dressed in their own clothes. During the ultrasound
examination only those body parts under investigation should be exposed.
Care must be taken to maintain confidentiality when non-health care personnel are nearby.
Patients should be offered the opportunity to have a chaperone, irrespective of sonographer gender and
examination being undertaken.
A record should be made in patient records when chaperones are offered and used, and when they are
declined. The record should include the name and designation of the chaperone. Chaperones should
normally be members of the clinical team who are sufficiently familiar with the ultrasound examination
being carried out to be able to reliably judge whether the sonographer’s actions are professionally
appropriate and justifiable.
For professional integrity and personal safety the sonographer should give equal consideration to their own
need for a chaperone irrespective of the examination being undertaken or the gender of the patient.
The patient’s privacy and dignity should be maintained throughout the examination which should be
conducted without interruption. Only personnel necessary for carrying out the ultrasound examination
should be in the room during intimate examinations.
It is good practice to ensure that both hand washing and equipment cleaning are carried out in full view of
the patient at the beginning and at the end of the intimate examination to reassure him or her that effective
infection control procedures are being applied. 1
References
1. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/AdvanceSearchResult/index.htmsearchTerms=hand+washing+intimate+exams
Additional Reading
• RCR (1998) Intimate examinations. BFCR (98) 5. London, Royal College of Radiologists.
• http://www.rcr.ac.uk/index.aspPageID=310&PublicationID=73
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