Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

<ul><li>Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.</li><li>Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.</li><li>Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.</li><li>Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.</li><li>Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.</li><li>Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.</li><li>Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.</li><li>Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.</li><li>Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.</li><li>Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.</li><li>Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.</li><li>Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.</li><li>Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.</li><li>Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.</li><li>Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.</li><li>Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.</li><li>Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.</li><li>Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).</li></ul>