Medical ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is used to demonstrate a person's internal body structures as a cross-sectional or 3D real-time picture on a monitor. A highly skilled professional, known as a sonographer, uses an ultrasound machine to emit high-frequency sound waves and record the reflected echoes, from within the human body to create the diagnostic images. Ultrasound is commonly used to study the developing fetus in almost all pregnant women, and to also demonstrate structures such as abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and joints, the heart, blood vessels and blood flow. Sonographers need to complete post graduate studies approved by the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry, such as the Monash University Master of Medical Ultrasound program, in order to become accredited for clinical practice in Australia.