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images that are required. Since the physician is generally not in the room with the DMS during sonography, the DMS uses her best judgment to extend the scope of her testing, based on what she finds. If more images of an area are required, it is up to the DMS to take the images without being asked.

“The ultrasound tech made a decision that morning to check on our daughter first so we could see that she was still okay. She squirted the odd blue gel on my belly and started talking while she was taking pictures. “Is this your first baby?” she asked. “No, our fourth, but she’s our first girl.” “How fun! Do you have a name picked out?” “Hannah.” “Well, Hannah looks great. Her heart rate is strong, she is right on target for her gestational age. Now let’s take a look at your kidneys, Mom.” I rolled over on my side, knowing that no matter what she said next, my daughter was okay. While I couldn’t see the ultra- sound machine, the tech kept talking to my husband and the nurse in the room. That day I was diagnosed with a kidney stone that was causing my symptoms. And even though it was uncom- fortable, it was something that I could wait to treat until after I had the baby. I will forever be grateful to that ultrasound tech who, when I was the most scared I have ever been, took a minute to put my mind at ease when she didn’t have to.

What Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Do?

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