Going to the OB-GYN for an Ultrasound
Sonograms have long been associated with pregnancy, since the inside of a diagnostic laboratory’s sonogram rooms have seen more than 50 percent of its patients be pregnant women. However, sonography is not only used for cases of pregnancy. When women approach their OB-GYN, it can be for a number of health reasons – not just pregnancy. So how exactly do sonograms fit in with a normal check-up with your personal doctor?
A little introduction to the sonogram
The sonogram machine is operated by a diagnostic medical technician called a sonographer. The main has two main parts – the monitor (1) and the transducer (2). The monitor displays the images and the transducer sends sound waves through the body. These sound waves travel through the body and rebound off of solid structures, such as organs and bones which in turn appear on the monitor to be examined. Sonographers are tasked with analyzing these images and reporting their finding to the health care team, for complete patient management.
Gynecologic sonography
When sonography is used on the female pelvic reproductive organs, it falls under gynecology. When women go in for regular check-ups, their gynecologist will usually request a transabdominal ultrasound once or twice a year. This is done for regular monitoring, and is performed more often for certain conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS). When a woman seeks medical attention for any pain or discomfort in the pelvic area (and urinalyses have ruled out urinary tract problems), the next step is usually a request for a sonogram.
Performing a sonogram to get images of the uterus can also be done invasively, primarily through a transvaginal or transrectal sonogram. No incisions are made, just insertion of a modified transducer into the vagina or rectum. Transducers that are used invasively are typically long and slender, with a slightly wider tip. The procedure itself may even be modified, such as the instillation of saline into the uterus. This is called a sonohysterogram, and is used to image the uterine lining for the detection of polyps and other similar abnormal structures.
Other sonography specialties
Sonograms are also performed for a variety of other areas of the body. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography actually certified sonographers for several specialties or areas, specifically (1) abdomen, (2) breast, (3) fetal echocardiography, (4) neurosonology, (5) obstetrics and gynecology, (6) pediatric sonography, (7) adult echocardiography, (8) pediatric echocardiography, (9) vascular technology, and (10) musculoskeletal sonography. Check the program list for more information.
However, after taking any of the specialty certification exams, sonographers will receive only four kinds of certification – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and Registered in Musculoskeletal™(RMSK). The first six exams fall under RDMS, the next three (plus Fetal Echocardiography) under RDCS, VT under RVT, and MSK under RMSK.
A little introduction to the sonogram
The sonogram machine is operated by a diagnostic medical technician called a sonographer. The main has two main parts – the monitor (1) and the transducer (2). The monitor displays the images and the transducer sends sound waves through the body. These sound waves travel through the body and rebound off of solid structures, such as organs and bones which in turn appear on the monitor to be examined. Sonographers are tasked with analyzing these images and reporting their finding to the health care team, for complete patient management.
Gynecologic sonography
When sonography is used on the female pelvic reproductive organs, it falls under gynecology. When women go in for regular check-ups, their gynecologist will usually request a transabdominal ultrasound once or twice a year. This is done for regular monitoring, and is performed more often for certain conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS). When a woman seeks medical attention for any pain or discomfort in the pelvic area (and urinalyses have ruled out urinary tract problems), the next step is usually a request for a sonogram.
Performing a sonogram to get images of the uterus can also be done invasively, primarily through a transvaginal or transrectal sonogram. No incisions are made, just insertion of a modified transducer into the vagina or rectum. Transducers that are used invasively are typically long and slender, with a slightly wider tip. The procedure itself may even be modified, such as the instillation of saline into the uterus. This is called a sonohysterogram, and is used to image the uterine lining for the detection of polyps and other similar abnormal structures.
Other sonography specialties
Sonograms are also performed for a variety of other areas of the body. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography actually certified sonographers for several specialties or areas, specifically (1) abdomen, (2) breast, (3) fetal echocardiography, (4) neurosonology, (5) obstetrics and gynecology, (6) pediatric sonography, (7) adult echocardiography, (8) pediatric echocardiography, (9) vascular technology, and (10) musculoskeletal sonography. Check the program list for more information.
However, after taking any of the specialty certification exams, sonographers will receive only four kinds of certification – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and Registered in Musculoskeletal™(RMSK). The first six exams fall under RDMS, the next three (plus Fetal Echocardiography) under RDCS, VT under RVT, and MSK under RMSK.