Diagnostic medical sonographers in diagnostic radiology
Who they are, what they do and which devices they use: a research-based profile for recruiting this target group for MedTech and pharma projects.
Overview
Diagnostic medical sonographers perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations and pass images and findings to radiologists, who interpret them. They check identity, history and contraindications, explain the procedure, position patients and select the appropriate examination protocol. Typical examinations in radiology cover abdominal organs, vessels with Doppler, breast and the musculoskeletal system; in biopsies and other interventional procedures they work alongside physicians. With appropriate training and under supervision they start IV access and administer contrast agents. They check image quality, report urgent findings and perform quality control on the equipment. Long periods of standing and repetitive scanning make the prevention of musculoskeletal strain part of their work.
Profession by country
Fields of use and typical tasks
Diagnostic ultrasound in radiology
- Preparing and positioning patients on the examination table
- Applying ultrasound gel over the examination area
- Moving the transducer over the area to acquire images
- Performing internal examinations with a probe, for example transvaginal
- Providing the images for interpretation by radiologists
- Performing diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound procedures as prescribed by a licensed practitioner
Specializations
Devices and systems they use
Who they work with
- Radiologists (interpretation, supervision, escalation of urgent findings)
- Referring physicians and wards
- Radiologic technologists and imaging management
- Medical physics and clinical engineering (equipment quality control)
- Nursing for bedside examinations and interventions
Frequently asked questions
Do sonographers interpret the images themselves?
No. They perform the examination and provide images and findings; physicians, in radiology the radiologists, interpret them.
Do sonographers administer contrast agents?
Yes, if they are trained, their competence is documented and a physician is immediately available.
Which devices shape their daily work?
Ultrasound systems with different transducers and Doppler, the image archive and the radiology information system.
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Related target groups
Same work area
Same specialty
Sources
- Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), gemeinsam mit weiteren Fachorganisationen (US)
- The ASRT Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy: Sonography, American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) (US)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (US)
- Ultrasound (Tests and Procedures), Mayo Clinic (US)
- General Ultrasound, Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) und American College of Radiology (ACR) (US)