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Diagnostic Medical Sonography, also called ultrasound technology is one of the fastest growing imaging modalities in the allied health field. Sonographic examinations are normally performed within radiology departments in both hospitals and imaging clinics. Diagnostic Imaging is one many modalities similar to Radiology, CT Scans, MRI, and Nuclear Medicine yet Sonography uses sound waves to create the images. Professionals who perform Sonographic examinations are called Sonographers, credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. The process involves placing a small device called a transducer against the patient's skin near the body area to be imaged. The transducer works similar to sonar because it can transmit sound and receive sound. The transducer sends a stream of high frequency sound waves into the body and echoes return from the internal structures. Different structures in the body reflect sound waves very differently. These sounds are analyzed by the Sonographers who record images for the physicians diagnosis.
Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.