We all know about the traditional uses for a high resolution linear transducer; the thyroid, superficial lumps and bumps (why hello there lipoma!), hernias, vascular imaging (the ubiquitous carotids and leg veins) and query appendicitis.

But what about non-traditional uses? As the practice of ultrasound evolves it is benefiting from the creative use of angles, frequency and positions thought up by smart techs. All done in the name of getting that ideal image that helps with a diagnosis. Interested in a little out-of-the-box ultrasound thinking? Here it is…

Once you are all set up to begin the EV scan it’s important to understand the limitations of the pelvis, how to keep your orientation and what plan of attack you will follow to ensure you are thoroughly assessing and imaging all the necessary structures.

Basic Endovaginal Tips – How to Set Up and Begin

Endovaginal scans were initially very intimidating scans for me as a student, mostly because I didn’t have any hands on practice while in school.

My first attempt at them was out in the world, working nervously under the watchful eye of my Clinical Instructors. Fortunately, I had a great Clinical Instructor who taught me many of the skills and tricks to performing an EV scan quickly, thoroughly and hassle free, that I still use today.

Here are the basics for EV setup and starting the scan:

Coming back to scanning after some time away?
Feeling some first-day-back jitters?

You're not alone. Scanning is undeniably a hands-on skill and you are probably wondering if your hands will remember what to do! When I was preparing to return to work after four months of travel I found myself with a serious case of the nerves. But underneath that I knew that I had learned this skill well and that it would come back to me if I prepared properly. So this is what I did to get my brain back into scanning mode so I could get back to the career that I loved. 

So you have to send your patient to the bathroom to partly empty her bladder. Good for you! Despite some initial protesting, both you and her will enjoy the rest of the scan much more after she’s emptied a bit.

So how do you persuade her to attempt this? It’s not that hard, don’t worry, keep reading to find out.  

We’ve all struggled with this at times. The hunt for ovaries. Pelvic exams can be quite frustrating when you know that there are only three organs in the pelvis, and you can’t find two of them!

Ovaries are tiny, surprisingly mobile and often hidden by bowel, so no wonder they test our skills and patience!

After deciding that I wanted the kind of personal interactions with my patients that make both my day and their day just a little better and brighter, I developed a specific process for myself.

A routine of habits to make being kind and considerate as simple and easy as possible. At first I had to plan and practice it a bit, because it didn't come naturally to me. But by making it a part of each scan routine it became more and more natural, and now I do it every day without even thinking about it.

When I first began to explore healthcare as a career choice I researched a few different areas, and ultrasound stood out as interesting.

So I looked up the closest school, BCIT, and found out how to apply. Their application deadline was two months away and I didn’t meet all the criteria, but I could, if I tried.

So I took a deep breath, decided that this was what I wanted and got started. Afterwards I learned that there had been more than 200 applicants for only 24 spots in the program. That’s about a 10% chance of getting in! 

This is how I got into that ultra-competitive Sonography program. 

The hardest, most influential thing I’ve ever learned.

Confidence.

The positive and realistic perception of myself and my abilities. A belief in my own success.

So how does an inexperienced ultrasound student like me become confident? I didn't know everything, and I certainly knew that I didn't know everything. But like any other skill, it could be learned. 
So I set out to learn it!

These are my last few tricks to developing your confidence as a breast scanning sonographer. These may be the last in the series, but they are far from least. Number 3, especially, is one of all my all time favorites.

And remember, these are skills that take time and practice!

You may not get them all done for every scan, but if you always try your best, if you always strive to improve and learn from each scan, each patient and each pathology, then you will have a career of success and confidence.