By Hamnaa 
Diagnostic sonography, or ultrasound technology, is a relatively young area that has become essential for identifying various – diseases. Ultrasound technicians, also known as sonographers, use the equipment to perform images, of the internal human body to enable physicians to diagnose a number of conditions.
It is therefore clear that as technology develops, the work of a sonographer involves not only the medical field. But also extensive knowledge of the technological equipment involved.
If you’re wondering what technology skills are required for a sonographer, you’re in the right place. In this article, the reader will get a closer understanding of the fundamental technology competencies, required to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
How Can Technology Skills Help You Advance in Sonography?
Listed below are some ways you can advance in sonography through technology skills.
1. Proficiency in Ultrasound Equipment
The most basic competency for any sonographer must be the ability to navigate through the ultrasound machines. It is noninvasive equipment that employs the use of sound waves to produce pictures of internal organs, tissues, and blood circulation in real time.
It is important for the sonographer to understand how to set some of the buttons on the machine in order to produce good images.
This includes:
- Changing the rate of the oscillations to match the various kinds of tissues.
- Choosing the correct type of transducer for every type of examination.
- Improving on images produced by adjusting contrast and resolution in order to increase image clarity for diagnostic purposes.
It is highly desirable that a sonographer be skilled at ‘handling’ ultrasound equipment on the job because it entails the precise production of images on which the doctors depend to come to their conclusions on a patient’s condition.
2. Understanding of Image Processing Software
As well as the actual operation of the ultrasound machines, sonographers need to be conversant with image processing software. Once the ultrasound procedure is over, images have to be optimized, altered, and occasionally stored for future use.
This software is also used for creating and sharing images with many medical workers, thus becoming a part of the worker’s toolkit.
The ability to:
- Alterations on images to make details stand out.
- Store and categorize documents related to patients correctly.
- Archive, share images with other doctors and other healthcare providers through a secure link.
Sonographers must be comfortable with technology positively that enables these processes to ensure that patient data is handled securely and efficiently.
3. Digital Imaging and Storage Knowledge
Digital imaging is now a critical component of the healthcare delivery system in the present-day world. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) are employed to store, review, analyze, and distribute medical images. Sonographers should have knowledge of the PACS systems, how to sort the images, and how to manage time on the system.
Some of the tasks a sonographer may perform in this area include:
- Transfer of images to PACS after scan.
- Accessing past images from PACS in case of need for follow-up treatment.
- Engaging in ways or making proper arrangements for protecting data so that no data is lost and the data of the patients is safe.
Further, some essential knowledge is obligatory for sonographers, including healthcare privacy laws, like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), when dealing with digital patients’ records, for instance.
4. Knowledge of Doppler Technology
Doppler ultrasound is one of the most specific techniques in imaging, which evaluates blood flow in vessels and the heart. Doppler ultrasound equipment should be operated by sonographers effectively in order to diagnose cardiovascular diseases. In this technique the probe emits sound waves that reflect on red blood cells in order to study velocity and direction of the flow.
A sonographer must understand:
- How to install Doppler devices for various patients.
- Changing the parameters to pick up changes in blood flow rates.
- Using Doppler to detect any probable abnormality with the blood vessels or the heart.
Because cardiovascular diseases are prevalent and frequently present with acute symptoms, knowledge of Doppler technology is critical for any sonographer who focuses on vascular or cardiology imaging.
5. Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Sonography
Thus, AI is being incorporated into ultrasound devices for augmenting some or all of image analysis, automation, and diagnosis features. AI applications are intended to help sonographers by pointing at predefined structures or pathologies, which may help to save time on the diagnostic process and avoid mistakes.
For sonographers, it’s important to:
- Find out how to utilize features powered by artificial intelligence to identify such illnesses as a tumor or a cyst.
- Check the results provided by AIs and evaluate whether the results are appropriate in terms of clinical requirements.
- Learn about the drawbacks of using AI, because it is only an assistant that should not replace a specialist.
Sonographers who are familiar with AI instruments will be in a vantage point as the use of AI advances.
6. Understanding of 3D/4D Ultrasound Technology
Whereas the conventional ultrasound creates two-dimensional images, three-dimensional and four-dimensional imaging enable the formation of comparatively comprehensive images, especially in obstetrics. These advanced technologies enable the doctors and patients to see the fetus in 3D or even 4D, real-time pictures.
Sonographers must:
- Learn how to use 3D and 4D ultrasound machines in order to capture good-quality images.
- Change settings to get the best images of organs and tissues.
- Read different 3D/4D images that are relatively harder to interpret than simple 2D images.
Understanding how 3D and 4D ultrasound systems work is particularly useful for sonographers who function in the obstetrics area or in other specialized areas that need quality images.
Final Words
In conclusion, what technology skills are required for a sonographer? It involves expertise in ultrasound equipment, image processing, digital storage, Doppler technology, and new innovations like AI.
This paper has shown that with advancement in technology, sonographers must work extra hard to learn new techniques to offer their clients the best services. Knowledge of these technologies will not only enable you to be good in your workplace, but also expand your capacity to grow in the ever evolving field of sonography.
Frequently Asked Questions About Technology Skills in Sonography
Q1: Why are Technology Skills so Important for Sonographers?
Technical competencies are critical for sonographers because current ultrasound equipment, imaging tools, and digitized systems are the foundation of sonography. Such skills facilitate accurate and quality imaging and patient information, which is so vital in the management of the patient.
Q2: How Does AI Enhance the Role of a Sonographer?
AI expands sonographers’ potential through helping to analyse pictures, detect pathologies quicker, and rise accuracy. But the interpretation of the results and the decisions based on them are still up to the sonographers, as AI is auxiliary.
Q3: What is PACS, and why is it Important in Sonography?
PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is an application of technology that is used for storing and transmitting digital images of patients. For sonographers, it is important in sorting the ultrasound images, easy retrieval of past images, and, most importantly, secure transfer of images to other health care providers.
Q4: Do Sonographers Need to know how to use Doppler Ultrasound Technology?
Yes, especially those imaging for cardiovascular or vascular pathology. Doppler ultrasound is a very important tool in diagnosing abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels and in evaluating blood flow.
Q5: How can a Sonographer Stay up-to-date with Technological Advancements?
A sonographer may provide his or her services by attending training sessions, workshops, or online courses that deal with the latest technology in the ultrasound devices. Another way is to join professional organizations, as well as to read professional publications to get new information.