1.5.3 2D and 3/4D ultrasound technology
Since 2003, there have been advances in ultrasound imaging technology with applications such as two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound scanning, which provides a greyscale image of the detailed internal structures of the foetus. With additional software, the same ultrasound machine can also produce enhanced images using 3/4D scans. Currently, sonographers are involved in utilising scan technologies in hospital and private-clinic environments at various stages during pregnancy. These technologies offer an in-depth examination of the foetal anatomy (2D), while applications such as 3/4D make foetal facial expressions evident and create easily recognisable images (Ji et al. 2005). The foetal face, arms, legs, fingers, and toes can be reconstructed as surfaces in multiple planes (Rustico et al. 2005). The 4D component of the ultrasound in the spatial visual plane includes depth that is associated with real-time movement. The surface detail of the foetus is greatly visualised, its movements are delineated and its facial movements (for example, smiles, frowns and yawns) are easily appreciated, thus allowing parents to see a very lifelike image of their baby (sample images of ultrasound scans, both 2D and 3/4D, are presented in Appendix 1).
1.5.4 Sonographers’ clinical autonomy, competency and role expansion
1.5.4.1 Autonomy to communicate ultrasound scan findings immediately
In the last decade, the practice and competencies of sonographers engaged in their clinical roles have not been well documented although their profile and training needs to provide an ultrasound service within the requirements of the NSC Downs programme has. In 2003, the Department of Health urged for modernisation of radiogr...
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...tailed normality scan, to counsel her about available choices such as having amniocentesis to determine the chromosomal risk.
1.6 Summary
This introductory chapter has provided an outline of the organisation of the current U.K. antenatal screening programme, which incorporates the highly visual technology of ultrasound within obstetric ultrasound and the role sonographers who perform the routine ultrasound scans. We have considered important factors that impact on pregnant women’s experiences, their perceptions, information requirements, and their need to be reassured about the foetal health and wellbeing. The primary goal of detection of foetal abnormalities during an ultrasound scan requires further exploration, as communication of the findings is a dynamic process. Next, in chapter 2, we look at the medicalisation of pregnancy and the impact of techno medicine.
In Japan there is not a lot of emphasis on prenatal care. It is thought to be adequate for the mother to be seen 3-4 times throughout her pregnancy. An ultrasound of the baby is sometimes deemed necessary by her midwife or obstetrician. The ultrasound is only used for the purpose of taking a closer look at the mother’s reproductive anatomy or the anatomy of the baby. In the Japanese culture it is considered taboo and quite rude for the ultrasound technician or medical provider to tell the mother the sex of her baby.
The child that I tested will be referred to as K.L. I tested her on April 14th 2016. K.L. is 2 years old, with her exact age being 2 years 9 months and 14 days. I called and asked her mother if she would mind dropping K.L. off with me for a few hours so I could perform the test, and then pick her back up after the test was complete. This test more accurate when the caregiver is not present. K.L. has a step sister and a baby brother on the way. She has always been in the daycare setting, because her grandmother is a provider. K.L. was delivered full term via planned cesarean section due to her mother’s small pelvis. There was no complications during this pregnancy. K.L. weighted 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 ½ inches long at birth, now weighting in at ...
Many wonder how do ultrasounds truly work. Ultrasounds are actually more complex than what they seem to be. First, the ultrasound machine transmits high-frequency sound pulses into your body using a probe, and then sound waves travel into your body and hit a boundary between tissues (Freudenrich, 2011). An example of this would be between fluid and soft tissue and soft tissue and bone. After that, some of the sound waves get reflected back to the probe, while some travel on further until they reach another boundary and get reflected, the reflected waves are then picked up by the probe and relayed to the machine. The machine calculates the distance from the probe to the tissue or organ using the speed of sound in tissue and the time of the each echo's return. Finally, the machine displays the distances and intensities of the echoes on the screen, forming a two dimensional image like the one shown below (Freudenrich, 2011).
They spend much of the typical day on their feet and with constant walking. Techs also commonly have to lift or move the imaging equipment themselves or with other people.Ultrasound technicians spend a lot of time on their feet and on the move.After being trained in diagnostic medical sonography , sonographers typically receive specialized training in gynecological sonography while on the job. However, most schools offer obstetrics/gynecological classes in their diagnostic medical sonography programs.2-year and 4-year programs consist of classroom coursework and clinical training. Associate degree program graduates are eligible for entry-level work in sonography while graduates with a bachelor's degree are eligible for professional registration, which may result in higher paying positions and increased job responsibilities. employers may prefer technicians who have received professional registration and
The first option is a one-year certificate program. This is available to those who already have some degree of medical training in jobs such as nursing, radiography, physician assistants and more. This program is meant to specifically cover the major aspects of sonography in addition to your formal medical training.
17. American College of Medical Genetics Clinical Practice Committee. Statement on multiple marker screening in pregnant women. American College of Medical Genetics College Newsletter, January 1996;6.
The current demand is high for sonographers throughout the United States and abroad. It has been shown that the demand for sonographers will continue to increase well into the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment in the field of Medical Sonography is predicted to grow 45.5% between 2010 and 2020. The growth is among the fastest rates in all healthcare jobs. As a result, as the demand grows for sonographers, so will the salaries (BLS). The attractive salaries and flexible work hours, as well as the diversity of options available and the lack of geographical limitations on employment opportunities, make Ultrasound an attractive career field (BLS). Most employers prefer to hire diagnostic imaging workers with professional certification. Also many insurance providers and Medicare pay for procedures, but only if certified. According to the BLS, Medical Sonography is on its list of the best jobs of 2013. Medical Sonographers can get promoted by certifying in more than one area in ultrasound or having more work of experience being promoted to a supervisor. Anywhere you go this job has a high demand and a fast rate. Due to population hospitals, facilities, or offices will always need medical
Choosing this field is something that has a profound connection with my personal life. Becoming a Diagnostic Medical sonographer would mean that I have accomplished life long dream. Ever since I was a little, I always wanted to be in the medical field. I have always had a big heart and wanted to help people so when I saw the important role that sonographers play in the medical field, it became clear to me that being a sonographer was exactly what I want to do with my life. In 2007 someone who was very important to me passed away due to gastric cancer. When my grandmother, who was a mother, father, and a friend to me, was diagnosed with gastric cancer my world collapsed. It was devastating news, not only for me but also for the whole family.
Diagnostic testing done/ continued testing/procedures (following your interview, place an * by those your child
Spielman, B. (1995). [Review of Women and prenatal testing]. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 23, 199-201.
I am a registered staff nurse who prior to commencing my midwifery training was working on a surgical ward facilitating pre and postoperative care for critically and chronically ill patients. I was fortunate that during my nursing training I had an opportunity to be assigned practice placement with the community midwives and visit the labour ward. After this learning experience I was able to make a decision to undertake midwifery training after completing the required period of post registration experience. While with the community midwife I attended antenatal clinics where I practiced midwifery skills, namely palpation and auscultation with a Pinard’s stethoscope and enhanced my communication skills. Unfortunately I was unable to hear anything through a Pinard’s stethoscope and so when I made a decision to pursue midwifery tr...
Muir, M., Hrynkow, P., Chase, R., Boyce, D., McLean, D. (2004). The nature, cause, and extent of occupational musculoskeletal injuries among sonographers. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 20(1) 217-325.
[IMAGE] * Ultrasound Ultrasound was another application of physics which I saw in QueensElizabethHospital . The use of ultrasound which I saw was the ultrasound scan. This is mainly used for pregnant women to see if the foetus has any abnormalities, or check on progress and growth. The rays in ultrasound have a very high frequency which is above the human audible range. Here you can see an image made using ultrasound to see a foetus's progress, growth and if the foetus has any abnormalities.[IMAGE] Gamma camera.
Computer websites – Website are available for the patient and clinicians to see what may be developing on the fetus as well as due date as well. Example of computer sites http://www.prokerala.com/health/pregnancy/pregnancy-wheel/
Proper follow-up of an “abnormal” screening result is crucial.The main function of the follow-up program is to locate infants with abnormal screening results and facilitate timely diagnostic testing and management.