In the past, sonography had always been used for OB-GYNE cases. With more research done on the diagnostic procedure, the results have shown that sonography can be used for a variety of different cases – not only confined to the reproductive system and the abdomen. Students who are studying an ultrasound technician degree online or in campus with the most recent curriculum learn how to perform sonography on different parts of the body. Currently, there are more than 200 ultrasound technologist schools in the US.
Pneumothorax: A dangerous respiratory condition
Pneumothorax is a condition where air escapes into the space (pleural space) between the lung and the membrane that covers it. This can be due to trauma from a vehicular accident, a stab wound, or even a simple fall. When the lung tissue ruptures, air enters the pleural space and can affect the ability of the lung to expand fully. The victim typically manifests difficulty breathing and chest pain. If left unmanaged, the victim can experience respiratory failure and arrest.
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Sonography and diagnosis of pneumothorax
Sonography is one of the safest diagnostic procedures today. It is non-invasive and does not require the use of dyes and radiographic emissions to visualize structures in the human body. Because the procedure is quite safe, it is a popular choice for pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. Today, the technology used in sonography has been improved drastically. The sound waves emitted by the sonogram can be used to visualize structures in the chest and even small vessels. Read more about sonograms in Lisa’s articles.
Historically, computed tomography (CT) scans have been used to accurately diagnose pneunomothorax. However, pneumothorax is best diagnosed with the patient sitting upright – a position impossible if CT scans are being used. With sonography, this is quite possible. Literature reviews have shown that sonography is much more sensitive in screening for this respiratory problem than supine chest radiography imaging. Sonography is also much faster in diagnosing – taking between 10 and 30 minutes to visualize the pneumonthorax – compared to the hour or more it takes to get a patient’s CT or x-ray.
Historically, computed tomography (CT) scans have been used to accurately diagnose pneunomothorax. However, pneumothorax is best diagnosed with the patient sitting upright – a position impossible if CT scans are being used. With sonography, this is quite possible. Literature reviews have shown that sonography is much more sensitive in screening for this respiratory problem than supine chest radiography imaging. Sonography is also much faster in diagnosing – taking between 10 and 30 minutes to visualize the pneumonthorax – compared to the hour or more it takes to get a patient’s CT or x-ray.
Studying the latest techniques in sonography
Students who want to study or start a career in sonography can choose from over 211 schools that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in 2014. Sonography schools all over the US now focus on a variety of specialties for the procedure, with online degree programs for ultrasound technicians making their way as the most popular courses available to students.
Accredited schools give much better training than schools that aren’t, and will be sure to prepare you to take the sonographer certification exam given by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). If you work or do not have time to study on campus, you can choose to study a sonography degree online.
Accredited schools give much better training than schools that aren’t, and will be sure to prepare you to take the sonographer certification exam given by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). If you work or do not have time to study on campus, you can choose to study a sonography degree online.
Diagnostic value of sonography and a career as a sonographer
Sonography has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool not only in prenatal care but also for medical-surgical cases. There has never been a better time to start your career in sonography, whether you take an ultrasound technician degree online or on campus. In 2013 alone, over 60,000 sonographers were employed in the US – a number that is expected to increase by as much as 46 percent by the end of 2022.