University of Washington Human Resources

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

CLASS SERIES CONCEPT

Independently perform, evaluate and provide diagnostic observations of non-invasive ultrasound and physiological examinations on patients.

BASIC FUNCTION

Perform professional level complex diagnostic ultrasound and/or physiologic examinations and assessments by direct application of high frequency ultrasound instruments to adult, adolescent, geriatric, and pregnant female patients in order to determine the nature and degree of patients disease and to provide accurate diagnostic information used to render a formal, final medical diagnosis. Provide written and/or oral reports of findings to attending physicians and clinical staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under general direction, perform and analyze comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound examinations on patients referred for diagnosis. Exercise independent judgement to tailor examinations for acquisition of accurate anatomic and pathophysiologic data relative to patients clinical presentation and history. Perform examinations in abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, endocavitory, scrotal, thyroid, superficial soft tissue areas, and intestinal imaging in the ultrasound lab, emergency room, intensive care operating room, or the patients bedside. On an ongoing basis, educate residents, interns and others about ultrasonography and proper technique.

TYPICAL WORK

Perform clinical and research non-invasive and/or assist with invasive and surgical diagnostic ultrasound examinations and procedures; monitor patients vital signs and condition during examination; initiate or perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary;

Perform ultrasound examinations exercising proficiencies in multiple organ systems such as abdomen (liver, kidney, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, and all associated blood vessels); obstetrics (gestational dating, fetal anatomy, uterus, and adnexa); gynecology (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and adnexa), small parts (thyroid, scrotal, and superficial soft tissue areas), prostrate, and intestines (appendix, hernias, and inflammatory bowel disease);

Perform examination surveys per American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) guidelines; recognize normal versus abnormal anatomy; target examination based on current diagnosis, assessment of patient status, and patient history;

Prepare patient for examination; explain testing procedures; obtain and review pertinent clinical history from patient, chart and referral documents;

Maintain patient confidentiality;

Exercise appropriate body protection when exposed to blood and body fluids during invasive and surgical procedures;

Perform endocavitory (vaginal and rectal) ultrasound examinations for evaluations of the male and female pelvis, respectively, including assisting with hysterosonography;

Exercise proper sterile technique and disinfection procedures in all examinations and procedures;

Perform calculation of recorded examination data to determine patient physiologic parameters such as blood flow patency; blood flow velocity, stenosis evaluation, organ perfusion, embryo/fetal development, and gestational age using two-dimensional, spectral analysis, color Doppler and power Doppler;

Educate residents, interns and others about ultrasonography and proper technique;

May present and discuss sonographic examination findings in clinical patient conferences;

May assist with needle guidance direction to physician during tissue biopsy, cyst aspiration, or other surgical procedures;

May assist with the administration of contrast media and pharmaceuticals under physician direction during ultrasound examinations to enhance image clarity, blood flow dynamics, and tumor evaluation;

Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – UW Contract Classified

Completion of diagnostic ultrasound program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

AND

Registered in abdominal and obstetrical ultrasound OR experience equivalent to criteria for eligibility for registration in abdominal and obstetrical ultrasound by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

CLASS SPECIFICATION HISTORY

• New Class: 12-15-77
• Revise Class/Title: 3-23-87
• Revise MQ: 7-2-90
• Revise Class/Title: 2-7-92
• Revise Class/MQ: 6-9-2000
• CSR Class Conversion (mc): 06-01-05
• SEIU 1199NW UWMC-NW job profiles added effective 1/1/2020