Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is another of the many 'modalities' that is encountered in the imaging department. Its distinctive feature is that it uses high frequency ultrasound to construct an image rather than the traditional x-ray. This means that it is a safe, non-invasive means of creating cross sectional images of the human body. It is also a relatively cost-effective means of imaging.

Ultrasound is familiar to us all because of its role in obstetrics. Nearly all pregnant women, at some stage, experience the delight of seeing their developing fetus with this technology. While this is going on, they also experience an important medical test which will assist their management.

Ultrasound however is used with great diversity beyond obstetrics. Vascular ultrasound, for instance, allows us to see the blood flow in real-time thus making it possible to discern stenoses in the arteries, or thrombosis of the veins. Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to image tiny tendons and nerves for degeneration or tears. Ultrasound is used in abdominal, gynaecological and paediatric assessment. The technology is enabling us to see the movement of organs, see their structure in 3D, and image their microvasculature.
Ultrasound imaging is performed either by a medical physician or a sonographer. The sonographer gains their accreditation through the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) after obtaining a two-year part time, Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. This is available through our department. Because of the emphasis upon sonography in the Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging graduates with good grades in the sonographic units are eligible for exemption from several of the level one units in the Graduate Diploma. Sonographers work in multi-modality imaging centres in hospitals and private practices. They also work with specialist physicians such as obstetricians and vascular surgeons. Sonographers are involved in diagnosis and imaging.

ref.: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/radiography