According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required. | 97% |
| Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort. | 96% |
| Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis. | 96% |
| Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles. | 96% |
| Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations. | 96% |
| Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas. | 96% |
| Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly. | 94% |
| Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings. | 93% |
| Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations. | 92% |
| Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports. | 92% |
| Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment. | 91% |
| Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation. | 89% |
| Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures. | 87% |
| Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary. | 85% |
| Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images. | 81% |
| Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect. | 79% |
| Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers. | 79% |
| Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). | 78% |
| Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary. | 78% |
| Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures. | 68% |
