Ultrasound Technician Job Duties
Ultrasound technicians are trained to use sonography to help doctors get a better picture of what is going on inside the human body. Ultrasound tech specialties include the abdomen, heart, brain, eyes and female reproductive system.
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Function
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An ultrasound machine works by sending high-frequency sound waves from a transducer into the body. Depending on the amount of reflection of the waves, an image is developed that lets doctors see into the body. The ultrasound technician operates the transducer.
Patient History
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In addition to operating the transducer during the procedure, ultrasound technicians perform clerical tasks of checking in patients. They may ask questions about previous ailments, procedures and family history to determine if there are any diseases the patient may be predisposed to.
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Preparation
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Ultrasound technicians prepare patients for the scan. This may include moving patients into the positions that are most comfortable for the specific type for scan, applying the gel that allows the scan to work and adjusting the machine settings for the particular scan type.
Analysis
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Ultrasound technicians analyze the information from the scans and assist the doctors in diagnosing the ailment by using visual cues to distinguish healthy cells from invasive cells and measuring objects in the ultrasound images.
Management
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in addition to working with patients, ultrasound technicians are responsible for the upkeep of the medical equipment. They also perform management tasks such as scheduling work shifts and recommending new equipment purchases.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hamed Saber
