Examples of ultrasound guided medical procedures:

In pregnancy:
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
Amniocentesis

In female gynaecology:
Sonohysterogram - assessment of uterine cavity
Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (HyCoSy) - fertility procedure to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes

Breast:
Fine needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance

Prostate:
Biopsy under ultrasound guidance

Examples medical procedures using x-ray:

Angiogram - x-ray imaging of blood vessels

Intravenous pyelogram - x-ray assessment of intravenous x-ray contrast material as it travels through the urinary system.

Proctogram - x-ray assessment of x-ray contrast material as it is passed out of the rectum.

Hysterosalpinogram - fertility procedure to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes using radio-opaque material and x-ray. 

Did You Know? Medical X-rays X-rays are capable of penetrating some thickness of matter. Medical x-rays are produced by letting a stream of fast electrons come to a sudden stop at a metal plate; it is believed that X-rays emitted by the Sun or stars also come from fast electrons. The images produced by X-rays are due to the different absorption rates of different tissues. Calcium in bones absorbs X-rays the most, so bones look white on a film recording of the X-ray image , called a radiograph. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less, and look gray. Air absorbs the least, so lungs look black on a radiograph. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen - First X-ray On 8 Nov, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (accidentally) discovered an image cast from his cathode ray generator, projected far beyond the possible range of the cathode rays (now known as an electron beam). Further investigation showed that the rays were generated at the point of contact of the cathode ray beam on the interior of the vacuum tube, that they were not deflected by magnetic fields, and they penetrated many kinds of matter. A week after his discovery, Rontgen took an X-ray photograph of his wife's hand which clearly revealed her wedding ring and her bones. The photograph electrified the general public and aroused great scientific interest in the new form of radiation. Röntgen named the new form of radiation X-radiation (X standing for "Unknown"). Hence the term X-rays (also referred as Röntgen rays, though this term is unusual outside of Germany). (Source: Inventors)

Sonographers are health professionals who use specialised equipment to create visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. These images are then used by physicians to form medical diagnoses.
Sonography or ultrasonography uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) transmitted through a hand-held device called a transducer. Sonographers operate under a Sonologist (Doctor who has specialised in Ultrasound) or Radiologist.
     
ANZSCO ID & description: 251214: Operates ultrasound equipment to acquire, interpret and selectively record anatomical images, physical data and real-time physiological information for medical diagnostic purposes in conjunction with Medical Practitioners.
     
Alternative names: Imaging Specialist, Ultrasonographer, Vascular Technologist
    
Knowledge, skills and attributes
   
Sonographers need:

• to enjoy science

• clinical, practical and interpretive skills to obtain high quality ultrasound images

• observation, analytical, diagnostic and recording skills

• high interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with patients and other medical staff

• compassion towards patients (particularly during invasive procedures)

• physical strength (they are often on their feet for long periods and can be required to physically assist patients)

• to enjoy challenges and problem solving

• an affinity with technology and to embrace ongoing learning as part of their professional development
  

Duties and Tasks

• Setting up and maintaining ultrasound equipment

• Performing ultrasound examinations on patients

• Producing images resulting from the ultrasound examinations

• Interpreting ultrasound images to aid patient diagnosis

• Carrying out training on ultrasound equipment for other healthcare professionals

• Addressing patients’ concerns before, during and after ultrasound examinations

• Keeping up to date records of scans performed and images produced

• Referring patients to other healthcare professionals and facilities, when necessary

• Soothing and reassuring nervous or anxious patients

Working conditions

Sonographers usually work in radiological clinics however there are also opportunities in public and private hospitals. Recently some sonographers have started their own businesses in partnership with other medical imaging professionals.

Most full-time sonographers work about 40 hours a week. Those who are hospital-based may be required to work evenings and weekends and at times be on call.

Tools and technologies

Advancements in tools and technology have resulted in more complex patient examinations being undertaken by sonographers. Specific tools and technologies include:

• ultrasound monitors and video equipment

• transducers and

• database and medical software.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a sonographer, you usually have to complete a Graduate Diploma or Masters of Medical Sonography accredited by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Check their website for a full list of accredited courses available in Australia.

​To work as a sonographer in Australia, you must be accredited by ASAR.

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)

Medical Practitioner

Medical Radiation Therapist

Nuclear Medicine Technician

Oncologist Radiation Oncologist

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Sonographer; Medical Diagnostic Radiographer];
[ Sonographer; Medical Diagnostic Radiographer; ]
Your Career [Sonographer; Medical Diagnostic Radiographer; ]