General Flashcards
Define ultrasound.
The physical principals of the transmission of high frequency sound
the use of high frequency sound waves (frequencies from 20kHz up to several gigahertz).
Typical medical use is 2 MHz to 20 MHz.
It is a mechanical longitudinal wave.
Within the medium the sound travels, the acoustic parameters include?
Wavelength, Frequency, Amplitude.
Describe how sound echoes back to the transducer.
A transducer emits sound beams
The sound beams are made of waves
The waves are directed into the body
Each wave interacts with the tissue as it penetrates the tissues.
An image is formed when the sound waves reflect waves back to the transducer.
Define Sonography.
Medical anatomical imaging employing ultrasound. An interactive process combining science, art and technology to produce images.
Define Sonographer.
A professional which uses cognitive skills to combine clinical signs and symptoms, associated tests and then produces images to provide diagnostic information for a diagnosis by an interpreting physician.
Define Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Highly developed, specialized and complex. Rapidly changing/Operator Dependent.
Create images which represent the actual anatomy and pathology for interpretation by a physician.
Must use considerable judgement and have a broad base of knowledge in acoustical physics and instrument controls. Creating images demands that the sonographer be responsible and conscientious.
Complete understanding of multiplanar cross-sectional anatomy.
Must be able to communicate with the patient, other employees, and physicians who are responsible for interpretation of ultrasound exams and provide the physician with pertinent clinical information and findings.
Job duties of a sonographer.
effectively operate sonographic equipment.
evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.
evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician.
communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient’s needs.
establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
follow established departmental procedures.
work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.
Cognitive duties?
Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills during the performance of sonographic procedures to provide optimum diagnostic services.
Physchomotor duties?
Perform sonographic procedures appropriately and accurately recording all anatomic and physiologic information for interpretation by a physician.
Document and present complete and accurate sonographic findings to the interpreting physician in order to facilitate patient diagnosis.
Maintain optimal function of the sonographic equipment.
Assist physician during invasive ultrasound guided procedures.
Describe some professional societies?
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS),
Over 28,000 members, is the largest associationThe American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is dedicated to Advancing the safe and effective us of ultrasound in medicine through professional and public education, research, development of guidelines and accreditation.The Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) is the only professional organization Completely dedicated to the advancement of noninvasive vascular technology
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is an organization of Professionals committed to excellence in cardiovascular ultrasound
The American College of Radiology (ACR)
Core mission is to serve patients and society by empoweringmembers to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care.
Hospital Information System(HIS)
Stores the patient demographic information.
Name, DOB, address, SS#, MRN #, Account #, Insurance info and admitting diagnosis.
Radiology Information System (RIS):
Interfaces with the HIS
Typically automatically populates examination equipment with the information. Prevents Errors
Can also track exam times
Charges for billing are tracked
PACS:
Picture Archive and Communication system
Certifying organizations:
ARDMS: American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
90,000 medical professionals worldwide and are recognized as the international standard in sonography credentialing.
accredited by ANSI to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024 Standard for organizations that certify personnel.
CCI: Cardiovascular credentialing international
ARRT: American Registry of Radiologist Technologists
Candidates pursuing primary pathway certification and registration in Sonography must have — within the past three years* — successfully completed a Sonography educational program that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the ARRT.
What must you pass to get credentials?
Candidates Must pass the Sonographic Principals and Instrumentation (SPI) examination plus a specialty exam within 5 years to be credentialed
