Ultrasound Technologists and the New Uses of Ultrasounds

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Ultrasounds have been around for decades, but previously served only the purpose of showing new parents their growing baby.  Since this point, ultrasound technologists have received heightened responsibilities that include detecting cancerous cells, detecting abnormalities in fetuses, and even participating in the treatment of cancer.  Ultrasounds have now been broken into different examinations which will each be discussed below.

Abdominal ultrasounds
Abdominal ultrasounds are procedures used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, especially useful for patients suffering from afflictions of their liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.  With the modern diet many people now subscribe to, illnesses in the abdomen are becoming more prevalent since our bodies are not used to the additional supplements we are giving it; ultrasounds help combat these diseases by informing us early on if we have any signs of illness. 

Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the breast and is especially useful in screening younger women for signs of cancerous cells.  While older women usually take a mammogram for the same reason, ultrasounds have been found to be very accurate in detecting cancerous cells in the breast tissue.

Doppler Ultrasounds
Doppler ultrasounds are typically used in examinations of an arm or leg.  These tests examine the blood flow in major arteries and veins found on the arms and legs; the exam is typically performed to help detect clogged arteries or other  insufficiencies in the blood stream.

Duplex Ultrasound
Similar to the doppler ultrasound, this exam is performed to see how the blood moves through your arteries and veins and can detect if there are any blockages; the only difference is that it can be used on the abdomen as well.  Similar to the breast ultrasound, the duplex ultrasound is performed as a much less invasive option to search for blood clots and abdominal aneurysms. 

Thyroid Ultrasound
This ultrasound is used to view the thyroid to guarantee it is regulating the body’s metabolism in the correct manner.  The test is typically performed on patients who have a growth on their thyroid and can help determine whether the growth is benign or cancerous, without performing any invasive procedures. 

Transvaginal Ultrasound
Similar to the traditional pregnancy ultrasound, the transvaginal ultrasound is more closely related to a pelvic examination and can help doctors examine a woman’s reproductive organs better. The test can help spot ovarian cysts or other types of abnormalities, again without the use of a more medically invasive test.

The ultrasound industry is changing every year, and these are only a fraction of the reasons why ultrasounds are performed today.  Ultrasound technologists must be heavily educated before they can perform most of these examinations, making their career that much more rewarding.