Ultrasound Technicians

db · ‎10-24-2010

I have a question that an ultrasound technician could answer. I know they are not doctors but when they are doing an ultrasound how trained are they to see an actual problem? I have had numerous ultrasounds over the years on pretty much all body parts and a majority of them seem to be able to identify problems. I know that they cannot tell you anything but I think they all know an issue when they see it. Any comments or experience? Thank you.

libbyannE · ‎10-27-2010

They cannot talk about what they see, so what does it matter?

SaRina · ‎04-17-2015

They would need to be trained in identifying conditions because they need to isolate the area and take a clear "snapshot" of it for the doctor to view. Of course, some technicians are better trained than others...

meem120 · ‎03-09-2010

Absolutely they can tell when there is a problem.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@db wrote:
I have a question that an ultrasound technician could answer. I know they are not doctors but when they are doing an ultrasound how trained are they to see an actual problem? I have had numerous ultrasounds over the years on pretty much all body parts and a majority of them seem to be able to identify problems. I know that they cannot tell you anything but I think they all know an issue when they see it. Any comments or experience? Thank you.

@db

How do you know they can identify problems? My guess is that they would be in BIG trouble if they took it upon themselves to talk to you about what they are seeing. A radiologist has to read them first .... and then consult with your doctor. Your doctor discusses the findings with you.

Even if a technician saw "something", I would hope they didn't say anything .... and just took great images for the doctors to review.

software · ‎06-08-2016

And they do tell, if you know how to ask.

@meem120 wrote:
Absolutely they can tell when there is a problem.

muttmom · ‎11-28-2012

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

@db

How do you know they can identify problems? My guess is that they would be in BIG trouble if they took it upon themselves to talk to you about what they are seeing. A radiologist has to read them first .... and then consult with your doctor. Your doctor discusses the findings with you.

Even if a technician saw "something", I would hope they didn't say anything .... and just took great images for the doctors to review.

There are times the tech does tell you what he or she sees or does not see. My ortho sent me to have an ultrasound to see if I had a blood clot in my leg. She did not see any and she told me as well as called the ortho. I did not have to return to the ortho's office.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I've had a couple ultrasounds. I have no proof, but i believe some know when things don't look right. They are not supposed to discuss it with you.

Stormygirl · ‎08-01-2015

I was able to tell when I saw a "problem" but I was careful not to say what was the Doctors' job to say as I could be sued or dismissed from my job for "practicing medicine" which one cannot do legally. (not qualified) Sometimes the tech (as previously said depends upon how asked) may indicate an abnormality but to actually diagnose would be a grave wrong. Unfortunately or Fortunately is all about CYOA today. I have even had family and friends call for some unsolicited "medical advice"or searching for a free diagnosis and I decline to engage. (even if symptoms point to an illness) I may defer the patient to the doc and suggest the appropriate tests. On occasion when one is wrong if an innocent hint is made upon patient persistence the wagging fingers and fears are not unfounded. Is best to leave the Md work to the Md if one values their career has been my experience seeing what happens to those over stepping the limits in thier scope of practice.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

They may, or may not see something they can identify - it depends upon the size, the density, and the clarity of what they're seeing.

If something is subtle, not major/obvious even to a radiologist or other factors complicate things, they might see nothing.

They may, if they're very experienced and it's common/obvious, *know* what something is, or they may see "something" but not know what it is, or think they might see something but aren't positive.

But they aren't going to give you a hint 9.99 times out of 10. It's unprofessional, and IMO unethical whether the pt's doctor or the radiologist are okay with it or not.

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