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2D and 3/4D Ultrasound Technology Essay

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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, …show more content…

The Scope of Practice (2008:para 2) deals with the profile of sonographers who are now able to independently perform, interpret and report ultrasound scans. This report has attempted to define the educational training and clinical experience by sonographers required to perform professional technical skills. Until the last five years, while the ability of sonographers to interpret dynamic ultrasound images have been embedded as a clinical competency that is assessed within educational courses (see CASE 2009), the requirements of communication training during the practice of ultrasound has been raised by the publication of the Department of Health Knowledge and Skills Framework (2004) made available to health professionals. In a conference address concerning the specific challenges facing NHS imaging services, Denton (2009:1) observed that service improvements were largely due to radiographer role extension: ‘UK radiographers are trained to read images and they have proved to be very competent, very skilled colleagues when given proper training….as demand for digital imaging increases, I think we will have to train other colleagues to take pressure off radiologists, and retain pride of place as experts in our speciality so that radiologists and radiographers can

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