Diagnostic Medical Sonography Health Article

Definition

Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique using high frequency sound to create images of specific areas of the body to diagnose various pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer performs examinations, records anatomic condition and provides diagnostic information.

Description

Under the supervision of a physician, the diagnostic medical sonographer provides patient services using medical ultrasound to gather data necessary to diagnose various conditions and diseases. The sonographer uses advanced computerized technology to produce images. The images are viewed on a video screen or converted by computer to produce photographs or printouts of ultrasonic patterns. The imaged patterns help the physician determine the diagnosis.

The sonographer's responsibilities include image production through patient positioning and operation of clinical instrumentation, patient care, quality control, technical assistance with interventional procedures, image manipulation and processing, and the preliminary interpretation of the ultrasound examination for the sonologist.

Supporting the physician, the sonographer obtains, reviews, and integrates pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results. This involves performing appropriate procedures and recording anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician, and recording and processing sonographic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.

Before the procedure, sonographers explain the ultrasonic procedure to patients and help patients assume the correct physical positions for required exposure to ultrasonic waves. At all times, the sonographer is required to exercise good judgment in the performance of sonographic services.

Work settings

Some sonographers can work in a variety of medical settings including hospitals, clinics, private offices, and other facilities performing examinations in their areas of specialization. More experienced sonographers may work on a contractual basis or for mobile services.

Education and training

A sonographer must have a thorough knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and pathology, as well as the skills to manipulate a wide variety of sophisticated instruments. Individuals entering diagnostic medical sonography are required to have a strong academic background in the basic sciences and a strong comprehension of computer technology.

Diagnostic medical sonography programs vary in length from one to four years depending on the program design and the degree or certificate awarded. Program entry requirements range from a high school diploma to specific qualifications in a clinically related Allied Health profession such as nursing, radiotechnology, nuclear medicine, etc. Typical program curriculums can include ultrasound physics and instrumentation, patient care procedures, professionalism and ethics, physiology and pathophysiology, and sonographic anatomy and scanning techniques.

Many programs involve an internship as part of the course of study. Interns work in medical facilities to apply classroom theory and gain practical skills. Following graduation, candidates take a national qualifying exam administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Continuing education is required of all sonographers to maintain registration. Candidates become Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) when they pass the ARDMS exam.