Vocab terms Flashcards
acoustic window (sonographic window)
the optimal location on the body for placement of the ultrasound transducer to demonstrate both normal anatomy and pathology, the best image acquired by manipulating and placing the ultrasound transducer in the most favorable position; some organs can provide a better acoustic window for improved viewing adjacent anatomy
american registry for diagnostic medical sonography (ARDMS)
an organization that offers national certification exams for all sonography specialties
american registry of radiologic technologists (ARRT)
an organization that offers certification exams for radiographers and some sonography specialties
anechoic
without echoes
audible sound
sound range that can be detected by the human ear
brain dumping
a test preparation technique in which a large amount of information is memorized by a test taker and, when the test commences, the test take “dumps” the information on scrap piece of paper or the test
callback pay
additional monies earned because one is asked to return to work after normal business hours, results from taking call
chronic
gradual onset or an ongoing condition
clinical competencies
unassisted examinations that are graded to determine fundamental proficiency
clinical findings
the information gathered by obtaining a clinical history
clinical history
includes signs and symptoms, pertinent illnesses, past surgeries, laboratory findings, and the results of other diagnostic testing of a patient
clinical journal
a book used by students for personal and professional reflection
commission on accreditation of allied health education programs (CAAHEP)
the national accreditation granting body for sonography education
complex
a structure that has both fluid filled and solid component
coupling gel
a medium placed on the skin to allow ultrasound waves to enter the body; also referred to as ultrasound gel
critical thinking skills
resourceful actions, judgements, and decisions based on the combination of professional knowledge, experience, integrity, and ethical standards
cross-training
when radiographers or other imaging specialists are training to perform another imaging modality in the clinical setting without specific classroom training
diagnostic mammogram
a targeted mammogram, typically performed after a screening mammogram to further analyze the characteristic of a breast lesion
differential diagnosis
a diagnostic method used to create a short list of possible diseases based on signs and symptoms
gadolinium
a contrast agent used in MRI
gold standard
the leading tool to diagnose certain diseases; for example, mammography is the gold standard for breast imaging, and sonography is the gold standard for gallbladder disease
heterogenous
of differing composition
homogenous
a uniform composition
hypoechoic
having few echoes within a structure
infrasound
the sound range below the normal hearing range of humans
isoechoic
having the same echogenicity
joint review committee on education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
organization that establishes standards, reviews, and recommends education accreditation for sonography programs
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
imaging modality that utilizes magnetic waves to obtain images of the human body in various planes
mammography
x-rays of the breast
nuclear medicine
imaging modality that employs the use of radioactive material for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases
real time imaging
instant viewing of internal structures
scan lab
a practice room with ultrasound machines for students to use to gain scanning experience
shadowing
failure of the sound beam to pass through a structure
society of diagnostic medical sonography
the national membership society for all specialties in sonography; offers membership benefits and helps set standards for the sonography profession
sonographer
a highly skilled medical professional trained to utilize ultrasound to image the human body
sonographer report
typically a written or typed document that provides basic descriptive information of the sonographic examination, including measurements of normal and abnormal structures, the sonographic appearance of organs and structures, and the manifestation of any sonographically identifiable abnormalities noted during the examination
sonographic anatomy
normal anatomy as it is demonstrated on a sonogram
sonographic findings
information gathered by performing the sonographic examination
sonography phantoms
simulation objects created from tissue similar to the human body that can be used to practice sonographic examination
surgical asepsis
the absence of viable pathogenic organisms; also referred to as sterile technique
symptoms
any subjective indication of disease, like nausea, weakness, or numbness
transducer
an instrument that emits ultrasound waves that is used by the sonographer to acquire sonographic images
ultrasound
the sound range above the normal hearing range of humans
