Objective: To investigate whether the use of 3-dimensional (3D) technology improves training of basic obstetric sonography in biometric measurements.
Methods: Ten new trainees in basic obstetric sonography were randomly assigned to either receive training in the traditional method with 2-dimensional (2D) scanners, or with 3D technology. They received structured training on how to manipulate ultrasound transducer and obtain standard biometric measurements (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length) by a dedicated experienced sonographer. After completion of the standard training, the performance of each trainee in obtaining these biometries was evaluated in 10 pregnant women. The same set of measurements was repeated by the experienced sonographer for each woman. The time required to complete the whole set of measurements was collected. The percentage deviation of each measurement from the trainer’s value was calculated. All frozen images used for measurements were captured and reviewed to assess image quality using a standardized scoring system.
Results: The median time required was significantly quicker in the 2D than the 3D group (13.4 minutes vs 17.8 minutes, P=0.03). The mean percentage deviations from the trainer’s values did not reach statistical significance between the two groups except FL where it was 3.83% in 2D group and 2.23% in 3D group (P=0.046). There were no significant differences in the image quality control scores between the two groups.
Conclusions: This study showed that 3D ultrasound might contribute to ultrasound training in biometric measurements among new trainees, and the accuracy was similar, if not better, to 2D ultrasound.