The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in in vitro Chinese hamster ovary cells and their viability were not affected by 3-min exposures to 2-4 MHz, focused, pulsed ultrasound with a pulse repetition rate of 200 Hz, pulse duration of 10 mu sec and intensities (SPTP) of 500 W/cm2 and 2500 W/cm2. The viability results are consistent with those reported elsewhere; the SCE response does not verify a specific previously reported positive response.