The tools and programs used by sonographers are somewhat complex
, and they can be very dangerous in the wrong hands because of the radiation that may be involved. This is why specialized training and certification is required before you can become a radiographer, sonographer or ultrasound technician. Students begin using these tools and programs while they are getting their education, and by the time they become certified and begin working in the field they should be more than prepared to handle them correctly with patients present.
Following are some of the most important tools and programs used by sonographers, radiographers or ultrasound technicians:
1. X-Ray Machine: This machine produces images of structures within the body of a patient to diagnose illness and create treatment plans.
2. Contrast Media for X-rays: When medical professionals need to produce high contrast images of the details of viscera, they use these mediums.
3. Ultrasonography Machine: This machine also produces images of the inside of the body.
4. Computer Axial Tomography Scan (also known as a CT scan or CAT scan): This is another machine that creates visual images from inside the body, but unlike other machines it shows them in horizontal slices.
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine (also known as MRI): These are stronger machines that are used when medical professionals need to excite protons to record results with the clearest images of particular tissues as possible.
6. Radio-Isotope Scan or Nuclear Scintigraphy: These radioactive compounds enter into specific tissues to help produce scan results for diagnoses.
7. Interventional Radiology: When medical professionals need to perform minimally invasive surgeries like angioplasty under radiological imaging, they use this method.
8. Echocardiography Machine: This tool helps to perform heart sonography when medical professionals need to understand the function of the patients heart.
9. Linear Accelerator: These are used for radiotherapy of cancer patients by oncologists.
10. Positron Emission Tomography machine (aka PET scan): This is used in nuclear medicine to produce three-dimensional color images of body functional processes.
11. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine (aka FMRI): This machine is used for a specialized MRI.
12. Brachytherapy Apparatus: This apparatus dispenses medication from an implanted device, especially during cancer treatment.
13. SPECT Scan: Single photon emission computed tomography is an imaging technique that shows how blood flows to tissues and organs.
The tools and programs used by sonographers must be used properly to safely get the correct results this is why such specialized training is required for this career.