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...
... middle of paper ...
...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.
Diagnostic medical sonography is a profession where sonographers direct high-frequency sound waves into a patient’s body through the use of specific equipment to diagnose or monitor a patient’s medical condition. As described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this examination is referred to as an ultrasound, sonogram, or echocardiogram. The high-frequency sound waves emitted from the handheld device, called a transducer, bounce back creating an echo and therefore produce an image that can be viewed on the sonographers computer screen. This image provides the sonographer and physician with an internal image of the patient’s body that will be used in the diagnosis. The most familiar use of ultrasound is used in monitoring pregnancies and is provided by obstetric and gynecologic sonographers, who also provide imaging of the female reproductive system. Other types of sonography include; abdominal sonography, breast sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, neurosonography and cardiovascular sonography. Due to the vast nature of uses in sonography, most professionals study one field that they choose to specialize in. Diagnostic medical sonography is a rapidly growing field because of the increase in medical advances. The area of Cleveland, Ohio has continued to rise in the medical field with great strides, providing better career prospects with the availability of numerous employment positions.
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.
Do diagnostic Medical Sonographers actually help begin a new life? Yes, according to researchers they do help patients indicate any problems that there may be and what may be expected. This essay will talk about Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and everything it takes to become one and how to become successful as well as why they are important to our global community. Sonographer’s are also known as ultrasound Technicians, they are very important in the medical field because they help patients and physicians diagnose and treat diseases as well as other medical information. The following paragraphs will talk about the information of the Salary and also the Job Responsibilities. With the technicians continuously providing
I’m very interested in going to school and studying to be an ultrasound technician. This position varies depending on what location you work at. In a hospital setting it can vary anywhere from looking at the stomach,heart,liver,joints,muscles,tendons and blood vessels. How the ultrasound machine (sonogram) works is it’s high rate sound waves to detect what’s going on in the body, not only on humans but a lot of different living organisms depending on the situations.
The profession of sonography has been around for over thirteen years; however, if one were to ask the average American what the occupation of a Sonographer entitled, there would likely be a wide-range of answers. When most individuals hear the word “Ultrasound” they will automatically pair this term with “pregnant women.” Very seldom would one put the profession of sonography with other aspects of Health Care such as Cardiac output, or Liver functionality. “Diagnostic sonography is medical two-dimensional and three-dimensional anatomic flow imaging using ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging is not a passive push-button activity but rather an interactive process involving the sonographer, patient, transducer, instrument and sonologist” (Kremkau, 2006, p.3). With its real-time scanning results and its precision capabilities, sonography is a safer and more cost-efficient alternative to other imaging procedures such as X-Ray and MRI’s. These benefits make it an excellent alternate in numerous health care fields, not just in Obstetrics like many presume the practice to be primarily used for.
Ultrasound Technicians are very valuable in the world of health care. Also known as Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, an Ultrasound Technician uses special machines and equipment that operates on sound waves to determine or diagnose medical problems for patients. There are specializations within this field in which some individuals explore. For instance, areas of specialization includes but not limited to; pregnancy, heart health, gynecology, and abdominal sonography. Although each specializing branch has its own distinctive function, they all involve probing the body to facilitate doctors with diagnoses.
The earliest human dissections date back to ancient Egypt and Greece where records of Anatomy were hand drawn and physiology was largely theorized. I find it fascinating that modern imaging technology allows us to view the body’s organs to see their functions and diagnose possible conditions or diseases. I first developed an interest in the field of Medical Sonography during my pregnancy with my first child. When I laid eyes upon the images of the growing little person inside of me, I knew I wanted to share in the joys of others as they experienced this as well (realizing this may not always be the case for others). Now returning to college, I have set my academic goals on the path towards this career. It wasn’t until I completed the Anatomy
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
In conclusion, because of the significant speed, safety and cost of diagnosing medical conditions, the New Zealand Medical Council is urged to give the nomination of ultrasound its favourable consideration fort the most important piece of medical equipment.
They usually work a regular 40-hour week, and some can work overtime. Techs who work for a medical lab that serves in-home clients may also have to travel to perform certain duties for work. Sonographers spend much of their day moving around from room to room in a medical setting or in various patient care settings. They usually wear scrubs and tennis shoes because of the environment they are in. They spend much of the typical day on their feet. Techs also commonly have to lift or move the imaging equipment themselves or with other care providers. Ultrasounds are often completed in dim or darkly-lit rooms to allow for easier on-screen visibility of images. While techs often get to share in the joy of pregnancy when completing ultrasounds, they also periodically experience the stress of patients and family members struggling with health
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
It is a requirement for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Employers prefer these individual skills given in the ARDMS. I will study skills and concepts in medical assisting, medical billing, coding, laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, nursing assisting and pharmacy technology. (California College San Diego, 2015) Having extra skills in many other careers will help me be successful in many other things in life. Some other benefits is that once I graduate I could be prepared for a career as a pharmacy technician, certified nursing assistant, home health aide, medical receivables and a coding professional. (California College San Diego, 2015) It makes it interesting because I’ll be able to be qualified for other things. These skills and benefits will make sure that I’m able to do whatever I desire. Becoming an ultrasound technician will make a difference in the world because I’ll be able to find major things out before they become
To begin with, how has technology changed the field of radiology? Since the discovery of X-radiation there has been a need and desire for studying the human body and the diseases without actually any intervention. Over the past fifty years there has been a revolution in the field of radiology affecting medicine profoundly. “The ability to produce computers powerful enough to reconstruct accurate body images, yet small enough to fit comfortably in the radiology department, has been the major key to this progress”(Gerson 66). The core of radiology’s vast development consists of four diagnostic techniques: computed tomography (CT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These methods of diagnostic imaging provide accurate information that was not seen before. Amid this information advancement, radiologists have broadened their role of diagnostician. Gerson writes, “With the advent of computer-enhanced imagery and new interventional techniques, these physicians are able to take an active part in performing therapeutic procedures”(66). A radiology breakthrough in 1972 was computed tomography discovered by Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack. Unlike standard radiography, computed tomography would spin the X-ray tube 360 degrees and inversely another 360 degrees while the patient ta...
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.
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always known that I wanted to be in a career that involved helping people. I believe that entering a career as a Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician will help me fulfill my desire to help others. I have come to realize the great importance that early detection plays in the medical field. Early detection is key to fixing a problem before it gets worse.It would be extremely fulfilling to have a career that may potentially stop a small health issue from becoming a life-threatening illness. Being an Ultrasound Technician and performing diagnostic sonograms will help me to detect any medical issues a patient might be unaware of so that a physician can properly diagnose and treat the patient early and effectively.