Occupation information for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers District Of Columbia

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Typical education needed for entry: Associate's degree

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: No on-the-job training

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• Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
• 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.
• Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
• Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
• Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
• Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
• Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
• 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.

Tools:

• Blood pressure cuff kits
• Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use
• Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph monitors
• Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph transducer
• Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echocardiograph or echocardiograph units for general diagnostic use

Technology:

• Calendar and scheduling software
• Data base user interface and query software
• Electronic mail software
• Medical software
• Spreadsheet software

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