Sonograms are very safe – possibly the safest diagnostic procedure given to patients. However, like other diagnostic procedures, it is very complex and requires a lot of training. When you study in an CAAHEP-accredited institution, it is likely that you have experienced giving a sonogram to a real patient. However, giving a sonogram under the guidance of an instructor is different from giving a sonogram alone.
General tips and guidelines for sonography
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Medical history
Though this step will most likely be prepared by other health care providers such as registered nurses (RN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN), it is important that the sonographer is aware of a patient’s medical history prior to performing the procedure. Medical history does not only include recent illnesses but also past hospitalizations, lifestyle choices, and relevant family history (1st to 2nd degree relatives).
It’s a very important that the sonographer reads over the patient’s medical history on file but it is also as important for a sonographer to ask relevant questions before, during, and after the procedure. Medical histories will give good insight on what procedures patients have experienced and how well they tolerate them.
Setting up and maintaining the equipment
Part of the responsibilities of a sonographer is being a sonogram technician, meaning that the set up of the sonogram machine is a part of a sonographer’s job. A sonogram machine needs to be set up according to the kind of image that needs to be taken, since different frequencies are needed for different areas of the body. Different-sized transducers or even a different machine entirely can be required by a certain kind of ultrasound procedure.
Cleanliness is also an important part of diagnostic procedures, because the machines are used several times for different patients. A gel is also used on the patients to facilitate the emission of sound waves through the body and has to be cleaned off the transducer. Making sure that the equipment is well-maintained and cleaned ensures that there will be no transfer of dangerous microorganisms between patients and the sonographer.
Though this step will most likely be prepared by other health care providers such as registered nurses (RN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN), it is important that the sonographer is aware of a patient’s medical history prior to performing the procedure. Medical history does not only include recent illnesses but also past hospitalizations, lifestyle choices, and relevant family history (1st to 2nd degree relatives).
It’s a very important that the sonographer reads over the patient’s medical history on file but it is also as important for a sonographer to ask relevant questions before, during, and after the procedure. Medical histories will give good insight on what procedures patients have experienced and how well they tolerate them.
Setting up and maintaining the equipment
Part of the responsibilities of a sonographer is being a sonogram technician, meaning that the set up of the sonogram machine is a part of a sonographer’s job. A sonogram machine needs to be set up according to the kind of image that needs to be taken, since different frequencies are needed for different areas of the body. Different-sized transducers or even a different machine entirely can be required by a certain kind of ultrasound procedure.
Cleanliness is also an important part of diagnostic procedures, because the machines are used several times for different patients. A gel is also used on the patients to facilitate the emission of sound waves through the body and has to be cleaned off the transducer. Making sure that the equipment is well-maintained and cleaned ensures that there will be no transfer of dangerous microorganisms between patients and the sonographer.