Sonography Essay

In the past few decades, sonography has made some tremendous advances. A use that not many have thought about is for astronauts in space. With longer human stays in space and prospects of long term space travel, some thought it would be a great idea to have medical imaging for the space travelers. Ultrasound was chosen because it encompasses a broad base of pathologies. In 2001, NASA integrated an ultrasound into the Health Research Facility on the International Space Station with the hopes of providing astronauts with diagnostic imaging. Most sonographers go through intensive training to become diagnosticians. But for astronauts, it is a little different. The Multilateral Medical Operations Panel came up with a training regimen to provide astronauts with the absolute basics of ultrasound imaging before going into space. This training consisted of a 2-3 hour course in sonography basics, familiarization with equipment, and specific instructions on transducer manipulation and body positioning. After this basic course, the astronauts received a 30-minute hands-on training session. Because this training can occur up to four months before launching, the shuttle is equipped with a refresher video. With such little training, the shuttle also has equipment for a two-way space-to-ground communication so that a radiologist trained in sonography …show more content…
It is true that a majority of the use of ultrasound is in the population of countries that are used to having advanced medical imaging at their fingertips. But it takes distinguished minds to think outside of the box in order to apply the tremendous beneficial assets that ultrasound has to offer to needs that none have thought of before. From providing care to those in underdeveloped countries to care on future trips to mars, we as sonographers should be aware and ready to further advance this amazing technology to its fullest