Diagnostic imaging employs various procedures that help in diagnosing ailments. The magnetic resonance imaging and X ray are most familiar procedures. Ionizing radiation or radio waves is not used by all imaging technologies. Ultra-sonography or sonography is the use of sound waves to produce an image for diagnosis and evaluation of a number of medical conditions.
Job Prospect
Diagnostic medical sonographers use specific equipment to direct high frequency sound waves and non-ionizing waves into specific areas of the patient's body. Sonographers use the equipment that collects reflected echoes to form an image. The image can be transmitted, photographed, or videotaped for diagnosis and interpretation by a physician.
Sonographers start by describing the procedure to the patient. They record any medical history that might be relevant to the condition that is viewed. Subsequently, they choose proper equipment settings to direct the patient transfer to move into positions, which will provide the clear and best view. Sonographers use a transducer to execute the exam. The transducer is used to transmit sound waves in a cone or rectangular shaped beam.
Sonographers may use various techniques to perform the tasks. Generally, they spread a special gel on specific area of the skin to help the transmission of sound waves. Observing the screen during the scan, sonographers seek for subtle visual cues, which contract healthy eyes with unhealthy. They determine whether the images are suitable for diagnostic purposes and choose to store and assess it by the physician.
Sonographers compute values, take measurements, and scrutinize the results in first round findings for the physicians. Besides working directly with patients, diagnostic medical sonographers keep and maintain patient records. Sometimes, they need to evaluate equipment purchases, prepare work schedules, manage diagnostic imaging department, and administer a sonography division.
A diagnostic medical sonographer may specialize in gynecologic and obstetric sonography, abdominal sonography, neuro-sonography, or breast sonography. Additionally, sonographers may specialize in cardiac sonography or vascular sonography. Gynecologists and obstetric sonographers specialize in the imaging of the female reproductive system. They evaluate the fetus of a pregnant woman to track the health and growth of the baby.
The work of abdominal sonographers is to examine a abdominal cavity of a patient to facilitate diagnose and treat conditions comprising go bile ducts, gallbladder liver, kidneys, male reproductive system, spleen, and pancreas. Abdominal sonographers are capable to scan parts of the chest. However, echocardiographers study the heart using sonography.
Neuro-sonographers lay emphasis upon the nervous system comprising of brain. In neonatal care, a neuro-sonographer studies and diagnose nervous and neurological system disorders in premature children. They may scan blood vessel to assess abnormalities referring a stroke in children who are diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia.
A neuro-sonographer, like other sonographers, operates transducers to perform the sonogram but use beam shapes and frequencies different from those used by abdominal and obstetric sonographers. A professional who works as a breast sonographer uses sonography to study breast diseases. Breast sonography may track blood supply conditions, tumors, and help in the appropriate biopsy of breast tissue. A breast sonographer uses high frequency transducers, which is made to study breast tissue. These workers need to carry out following responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Work Environment
Generally, sonographers work in clean and spacious health care facilities. Normally, they perform the tasks at diagnostic imaging machines in rooms. Sometimes, they may execute procedures besides patients. Sonographers may need to work by standing on their feet for long period of time. At times, they may require moving and lifting disabled patients. These professionals may suffer from injuries such as eye strain, back strain, and carpel tunnel syndrome.
Training and Educational Qualification
Candidates who are well trained in recognized programs and registered may have good career prospect. Sonographers may get special training in vocational technical institutions, hospitals, universities, colleges, and Armed Forces. Some programs prefer candidates who have science background or experience in professions related to health.