The Society of Radiographers and the British Medical Ultrasound Society have published an updated version of their guidelines for ultrasound, designed to provide advice and support to sonographers.
Published on Tuesday, 9 December, the ninth edition of the Guidelines for Professional Ultrasound Practice document includes important updates on changes in practice and professional progression, as well as a new section on artificial intelligence.
The document was previously known to sonographers as the United Kingdom Association of Sonographers (UKAS) Guidelines up until 2009, when UKAS merged with the Society of Radiographers.
On the launch of the latest edition, Gill Harrison, SoR professional officer for ultrasound, said: "The SoR and BMUS Guidelines have been developed over many years and are a useful resource for any ultrasound practitioner to find information, guidance and references for a range of topics relating to safe, effective ultrasound practice and service requirements.
"This year, we have made minor updates to include new guidance documents that have been published in the last two years and have also included a short section with links to guidance on artificial intelligence.”
The newest version of the document, launched during the 2026 British Medical Ultrasound Society’s 56th Annual Scientific Meeting taking place in Harrogate, runs to 193 pages of essential advice and support for sonographers and ultrasound practitioners.
Changes in the ninth edition are marked by either [2025] or [updated 2025].
Its publication comes after the SoR renewed its calls for ‘sonographer’ to become a protected title under Health and Care Professions Council regulations.
Last month, the SoR warned of the dangers posed by high-street baby scan clinics offering ultrasound scans carried out by non-specialists.
Gill added: “We hope the guidance is useful to members of both organisations for CPD, supporting them to meet current best practice and expanding or improving their services in a safe and effective way for patients, service users and staff."