technology has advanced ultrasound

The process of becoming an ultrasound technician can be one that is intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the help of an organization called American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), those seeking to be a sonographer can achieve their goals. Although there are many steps to take, it can be done. This paper will help instruct individuals who wish to go through the sonography principles and instrumentation (SPI) examination (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation [SPI], (2015).

In 1801 Thomas Young described “phase shifting” in relation to light. Christian Doppler in 1842 created the “Doppler effect” which is how blood flows in pelvic vessels and the fetus. Pierre Curie in 1880 described the piezoelectric effect, where ceramic to generate ultrasonic waves.Paul Langevin in 1915 built the first hydrophone, microphone designed to be used to listen to underwater sound ,also related to measurement of the fetus and abdominal masses. Watson-Watt developed the radar in 1943 using electromagnetic waves. John Read published the first 2D images in 1952. 3D ultrasound was first developed by Olaf von Ramm and Stephen Smith in 1987.

Diagnostic ultrasound is one of the most common forms of medical imaging in use today. When people think of ultrasound images or sonograms as they are also referred to, they may recall grainy black and white images that are similar to x-rays. However, with the exception of perhaps developing fetuses, most have very limited knowledge of what they are actually looking at, let alone how those images are created. Many people are aware that sound waves are used to produce images but have no clue how the process works or the tremendous amount of physics involved. There are numerous physics concepts involved in ultrasound imaging. Including, but not limited to, velocity, frequency, and wavelength.

To begin, 3-D ultrasound configures the sound wave data into 3-D images and 4-D ultrasound is considered a version of 3-D ultrasound that shows motion (Radiological Society of North America). Another type of examination is a Doppler ultrasound may be part of an examination. Doppler ultrasounds use a special technique that assesses blood flow through blood vessels, including the body’s major arteries and veins in the legs, neck, and abdomen. Under the Doppler ultrasound, there are three more types: Color, Power, and Spectral (Radiological Society of North America).

Another form of imaging is ultrasound. Ultrasound, which uses very high frequency sound, is directed into the body. And because the tissue interference's reflect sound, doctors are able to produce, by use of a computer, a photograph or moving image on a television. Ultrasound has many application uses on the body, but is more commonly used in examinations of the fetus during pregnancy, because use of radiation may affect the outcome of the baby. Some other practices for ultrasound include examination of the arteries, heart, pancreas, urinary system, ovaries, brain, and spinal cord. And because sound travels well through fluids it is a very useful technique for diagnosing cysts( which are filled with fluid), and fluid filled structures such as the bladder. And since sound is absorbed by air and bone it is impossible to use a ultrasound on bones or lungs.

Sonography is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses the echoes of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of internal organs or body structures. The employment rate is is expected to grow 26 percent from 2014 to 2024. Since ultrasound is non-invasive, it is more encouraged than other methods so the career is always in demand. Diagnostic medical sonographers duties are to prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment, taking a patients medical history, answering questions about the procedure, operating the equipment, review images and test results, know the difference between normal and abnormal images, analyze diagnostic information, record findings, and keep track of patient records. Hospitals, offices of physicians, medical

Dr. Fox is an emergency physician at UCI Medical Center, treating and diagnosing patients using an ultrasound. His scope of research involves looking at patients’ internal organs via ultrasound, which is much quicker and less harmful than using x-ray scans that are traditionally used in emergency departments. He is also a part of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (“Faculty and Staff”). Dr. Fox is also a director of instructional ultrasound and is the assistant dean at the UCI School of Medicine (“John Christian Fox”). He started an ultrasound rotation at the UCI School of Medicine, and with a grant given by SonoSite, Inc., the ultrasound curriculum is now embedded within the UCI School of Medicine curriculum (“Faculty and Staff”). He went to Tufts University School of Medicine, receiving his MD in 1997 (“John Christian Fox”). His main research focus is to try to incorporate ultrasound more into the emergency department, and tries to find revolutionary ways to utilize ultrasound, especially because it is very cost-efficient and images are seen real-time, unlike MRI scans or x-rays, which can emit harmful radiation or results take much longer to acquire. Eric Viquez is one of the Bio 199/EMRAP (Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program) students in Dr. Fox’s ultrasound lab. He is currently a 4th year undergraduate biological sciences major who is going to medical school in the fall; he shadows shifts with Dr. Fox and

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

The increasing demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology promises an exceptional outlook for sonographers. The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers are employed by hospitals, but accessibility to low-cost portable ultrasound equipment has led to a growing number of career opportunities at clinics and diagnostic centers (Rising Demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). They now have access to portable units as small as laptop computers making commuting from hospital bedsides to clinical practices easier. Since some sonographers make their own schedules through contracts with clinics, these portable units make traveling much more convenient.

Diagnostic medical sonographers who are also known as ultrasound technologists, play a very pivotal role in the health industry. Sonographers use specialized 3D imaging machines to generate images of internal body organs and structures which works hand-in-hand with doctors in gathering the necessary data needed for a diagnosis (Reece & Hobbins, 2007). Diagnostic medical sonography has many different branches you may pursue such as obstetrics/gynecology, breast sonography, cardiovascular sonography, and abdominal sonography to name a few (Brent, Jensh, & Beckman, 1991). The limits of authority and legislated scope of practice for sonographers has recently been revised in May 2013 by sixteen representatives from multiple sonography organizations throughout the country (2016). A diagnostic medical sonographer must be a qualified individual who is academically credited as well as clinically skilled before they begin to practice. Affirmation, demonstration, continuing education as well as re-certification from a nationally accredited organization is required for every sonographer (2016).

Sonography utilizes sound waves to generate an image that can be analyzed to determine or rule out a diagnosis. Ultrasound or ultrasonography is a medical imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves. It is a high pitch frequency that cannot be heard by the human ear. A diagnostic medical sonographer works directly with patients in a dimly lit room with imaging machines. The sonographer gets the medical history of the patient and prepares the patient for an ultrasound examination. The sonographer explains the noninvasive procedure and answers any question the patient might have. The sonographer positions the patient and covers the patient only exposing the area needed for the procedure. The sonographer

The Ultrasound technician will facilitate the abdominal ultrasound to produce images of the organs for interpretation.

Such as verifying patient clinical history and health status, by doing tests and images. During the exam they will operate the ultrasound equipment and analyzing findings in real time to ensure data is obtained. They will move or assist the patient as necessary to ensure comfort, to get successful high frequency sound waves. Sonographers will then communicate with the patient explaining the procedure, and answer any questions they might have concerns about. Examining results to identify expected and unexpected outcomes given the procedure plan as well as whether the test guidelines and protocols were

Gill, R., 2012. The physics and technology of diagnostic ultrasound: a practitioner's guide. Abbotsford, N.S.W.: High Frequency Publishing.

The usefulness of ultrasound colour-Doppler twinkling artefact for detecting urolithiasis compared with low dose nonenhanced computerized tomography.4