Interview with our UltraSound Tech, Ivette Adame.

Ivette Adame is our in-house ultrasound technician and has been working in the industry for 6 years. We had a conversation with Ivette regarding what exactly ultrasound imaging is, its common uses, how to prepare and what to expect.

Q: What is ultrasound imaging?

A: Ultrasound imaging (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also show movement of the body’s internal organs as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.

Q: What peaked your interest in becoming a registered sonographer?

A: I’ve always had an interest in the medical field, I knew I was going to do something in it but when it came down to what that’s where I was a little stuck. I looked into several careers and I ran across ultrasound, in that moment I flashed back to a couple years back during the first ultrasound I had ever seen which was an ultrasound of my baby sister! I think the tech saw how intrigued I was by what she was doing that she began to tell me about her job and how much she loved it. I even took a career test and ultrasound was one of my matches! So I took it as a sign.

Q: What are some of the common uses of this procedure?

A: There are many other uses, including imaging the heart, blood vessels, thyroid, breast, abdominal organs, fetus, and muscles.

Q: How should someone prepare before an ultrasound appointment?

A: For some scans, such as an abdominal ultrasound, your ultrasound technician will ask that you not eat or drink for up to six hours before the exam. Others, such as a pelvic ultrasound, would require a full bladder beginning an hour before the exam as these preparations aide in optimal imaging.

Q: What will someone generally experience during the procedure?

A: The ultrasound technologist will ask you to lie down on an exam table. He or she will apply gel to the skin of the area being examined. This allows the smooth, hand-held transducer to move more easily. The transducer uses sound waves to create images.

Q: What is the usual protocol after a procedure?

A: After the patient has completed their ultrasound, the images are then sent to a board certified radiologist to be interpreted for final results.

Q: Benefits vs. Risks

A: They are generally painless and do not require needles, injections, or incisions. Patients aren’t exposed to ionizing radiation making the procedure safer than diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and CT scans. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Research shows there are no known harmful effects when used as directed. Ultrasound captures images of soft tissues that don’t show up well on X-rays. Ultrasounds are widely accessible and less expensive than other methods.

Q: In your opinion, how has ultrasound technology revolutionized the industry?

A: Ultrasound equipment has gotten physically smaller, generates less heat and has become more power efficient. These upgrades, along with vast enhancements in image quality, have pushed ultrasound into the point-of-care setting. I’ve noticed with this, point-of-care ultrasound has become widely performed in emergency rooms, PCP offices and obstetric practices.

Q: Last words?

A: We offer ultrasounds here in the office for $85. Learn more about all the services we offer here.