In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR), researchers have uncovered surprising insights into the environmental impact of diagnostic ultrasound imaging within healthcare settings. Contrary to traditional assumptions that energy consumption and equipment manufacturing dominate medical imaging’s carbon footprint, this comprehensive life cycle assessment reveals that consumables—particularly linens and disposable supplies—constitute the overwhelming majority of ultrasound’s greenhouse gas emissions. The findings, derived from an in-depth examination conducted at a single adult university hospital, challenge the radiology community to rethink sustainability measures, shifting focus from high-tech hardware to everyday operational materials.
Diagnostic ultrasound is widely regarded as one of the most energy-efficient imaging modalities, relying on high-frequency sound waves to produce images without ionizing radiation. While most prior sustainability inquiries in radiology concentrated on electricity usage or equipment production emissions, this latest research introduces a nuanced perspective. The study shows that linens alone are responsible for 35% of ultrasound’s annual carbon emissions, with disposable single-use items close behind at 34%. Collectively, these materials account for nearly 70% of the total environmental footprint associated with ultrasound procedures. In contrast, the energy consumed by ultrasound machines accounts for a mere 3%, and the manufacturing emissions of the devices themselves constitute just 7%.
These revelations emphasize the critical role of supply chain and operational practices in determining the environmental sustainability of medical imaging. Linens—such as towels and patient drapes—are often laundered repeatedly, consuming copious amounts of water, energy, and detergents, all of which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Single-use supplies typically include plastic covers, gel packs, gloves, and other disposable instruments, many of which are non-biodegradable and sourced from petrochemical products. The environmental consequences extend beyond carbon emissions to include waste accumulation and resource depletion, pressing the need for innovative material alternatives and improved utilization protocols.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Katherine Frederick-Dyer, Director of Body MRI at Vanderbilt Health, underscores the importance of adopting a systems-based approach to sustainability in radiology. She asserts that while ultrasound’s hardware is intrinsically low-impact in terms of energy consumption, operational choices—specifically those related to consumable supplies—present a substantial opportunity for carbon footprint reduction. By reevaluating supply management and incorporating environmentally responsible materials, radiology departments can substantially enhance their sustainability profile without compromising diagnostic quality.
Exploring potential solutions, the research advocates for transitioning to sustainably sourced organic cotton linens, which offer a renewable and biodegradable alternative to conventional textiles. Additionally, the use of compostable substitutes for plastic disposables emerges as a compelling avenue to reduce environmental harm. Materials science advancements have yielded a variety of bioplastics and plant-based composites that maintain necessary sterility and durability standards while minimizing ecological impact. Implementing such alternatives could markedly curtail waste generation and lifecycle emissions associated with ultrasound procedures.
Furthermore, strategic optimization of supply usage is crucial. This entails reducing unnecessary waste, instituting reuse protocols where feasible, and integrating circular economy principles within hospital supply chains. For instance, hospitals might adopt linen inventories attuned to actual procedural volume, minimize overstocking of single-use items, and enhance staff education on sustainability-conscious practices. These operational improvements complement material innovations and collectively form a comprehensive sustainability roadmap.
The study appears in the April 2026 “Focus on Sustainability” issue of JACR, which explores multidimensional challenges facing healthcare systems managing carbon footprints. The issue addresses topics spanning energy efficiency, clean energy transitions within hospitals, ethical procurement policies, and the imperative for judicious utilization of medical interventions. This broadened framing situates ultrasound’s impact within the wider quest to reconcile technological excellence and environmental stewardship in clinical practice.
Guest editor Florence X. Doo, MD, MA, Director of Innovation at the University of Maryland Medical Intelligence Imaging Center, highlights the essential linkage between radiological technology and emission management. Modern radiology increasingly encompasses high-energy imaging modalities such as MRI and CT, alongside emergent AI applications that demand significant computational resources. Recognizing sustainability as both a quality improvement and operational efficiency challenge engenders new perspectives in resource stewardship. Dr. Doo emphasizes optimizing workflow to simultaneously reduce waste and enhance productivity, societal benefits increasingly aligned with the core mandate of healthcare providers.
From a technical standpoint, the study utilized a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify emissions associated with the entire ultrasound workflow—from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to usage and end-of-life disposal. This rigorous analysis incorporated direct measurements, institutional supply data, and emissions factors consistent with global carbon accounting standards. By isolating supply categories and operational energy metrics, the researchers could pinpoint emission hotspots garnering disproportionate environmental burdens, facilitating targeted interventions.
Importantly, this study challenges the simplistic assumption that high-tech equipment manufacturing or electrical energy consumption represent dominant carbon emission sources in radiology. For ultrasound—a modality characterized by relatively low power draw and long device lifespans—the environmental burden is disproportionately distributed in consumable materials. This insight opens avenues for sustainable design not only in ultrasound but across other healthcare technologies, where consumable management may be overlooked as a factor in carbon accounting frameworks.
The implications extend beyond ultrasound to the broader healthcare ecosystem. Supply chain sustainability, waste reduction, and environmentally responsible procurement emerge as urgent priorities to mitigate healthcare sector emissions, which constitute a significant fraction of national carbon footprints globally. This study advocates for multidisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, engineers, supply managers, and sustainability experts to embed ecological considerations at every stage of diagnostic imaging delivery.
In conclusion, this pioneering research redefines our understanding of ultrasound’s environmental impact, positioning consumables—and the materials and behaviors associated with their use—as central to radiology’s sustainability efforts. By spotlighting textiles and disposable supplies as primary emission drivers, it prompts the healthcare community to adopt holistic, system-level sustainability strategies that transcend equipment efficiencies. The study offers a crucial blueprint toward achieving greener medical imaging, balancing technological innovation with ecological responsibility in pursuit of healthier patients and a healthier planet.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Harmonizing Diagnostic Ultrasound Practice with Environmental Sustainability: A Life Cycle Assessment of Diagnostic Ultrasound in a Single Adult University Hospital
News Publication Date: April 8, 2026
Web References:
Journal of the American College of Radiology Focus on Sustainability Issue
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2025.09.031
Keywords: Radiology, Medical Imaging, Carbon Emissions, Greenhouse Gases, Sustainability, Healthcare, Medical Facilities, Medical Equipment
