An ultrasound machine creates images of structures inside the body.
Ultrasonography, also known as sonography, is a medical procedure that uses high- frequency sound waves to display an image that helps to inform a diagnosis. An ultrasound technician is a medical professional who uses ultrasound machines to diagnosis and evaluate conditions inside the patient's body. Ultrasound technicians receive either an associate's or bachelor's degree in ultrasonography, and most ultrasound technicians have jobs in a particular specialty area.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound Technicians
Obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound technicians specialize in the female reproductive system. Ultrasonography for pregnant women involves monitoring fetal development, while ultrasound technicians monitor women who are not pregnant for abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Sonomammographers
Ultrasound technicians may also use sonography to detect breast cancer as a supplement to traditional mammography. Sonomammography is used to evaluate breast tissue and is commonly used to diagnose breast cancer through tumor tracking and monitor blood flow. According to the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America, research suggests that ultrasound technology can help to identify smaller tumors that might be missed in a standard mammogram.
Vascular Sonographers
Vascular ultrasound technicians assist doctors in evaluating cardiovascular, peripheral and abdominal blood vessels. Cardiac sonographers examine the heart chamber, vessels and valves by analyzing the image, which is called a cardiogram.
Abdominal Sonographers
Abdominal sonographers evaluate the inner abdominal organs, including the liver, pancreas, kidneys, urinary tract, gallbladder and spleen. They may also monitor abdominal soft tissue and blood vessels.
Ophthalmological Sonographers
Ophthalmological sonographers evaluate eye tissue. Sonographers in this specialty area assist in prosthetic lens insertion, monitor retina separation, track tumors and monitor blood supply.
Neurosonographers
Neurosonographers use ultrasound technology to evaluate a patient's brain and nervous system, especially in pediatric patients. Neurosonographers are trained on special ultrasound equipment that uses different frequencies and beams to evaluate abnormalities. They are also trained to scan blood vessels in cases of possible stroke or sickle cell anemia.
Tags: blood vessels, ultrasound technicians, breast cancer, monitor blood, sonographers evaluate