|
What is sonography?
Ultrasonography, commonly called sonography, is a diagnostic medical procedure
that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside
the body. This type of procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound scan.
Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen,
breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart, and blood vessels.
Sonography is increasingly being used in the detection and treatment of heart
disease, heart attack, and vascular disease that can lead to stroke. It is also used to guide fine needle, tissue biopsy to
assist in taking a sample of cells from an organ for lab testing (for example, a test for cancer in breast tissue). Unlike
X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.
What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?
 A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment
to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.
The process involves placing a small device called a transducer against the
patient's skin near the body area to be imaged. The transducer works like a loudspeaker and microphone because it can transmit
sound and receive sound. The transducer sends a stream of high frequency sound waves into the body that bounce off the structures
inside. The transducer detects sound waves as they bounce off the internal structures. Different structures in the body reflect
these sound waves differently. These sounds are analyzed by a computer to make an image of the structure(s) on a television
screen or that can be recorded on videotape.
Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing
some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy
to critically ill.
|
