Ch. 3 Key Terms

Adnexa

Area around an organ

ALARA

As low as reasonably achievable

Ascites

Fluid within the abdominal or pelvic cavity

Bioeffects

Biophysical results of the interaction of sound waves and tissue

Certification

A voluntary, time-limited, non-governmental credential awarded to an individual by a recognized organization (like ARDMS, ARRT, or CCI) to verify they have met predetermined, standardized criteria for competency, knowledge, and skill in a specific, specialized area of sonography 

Electronic medical record (EMR)

An electronic database containing all the patient’s information

Endocavity

Inside a cavity such as the abdomen or pelvis

Fundus

The top portion of the uterus

Gravidity (G)

Refers to the number of previous pregnancies and includes the current gestation

Hospital information system

Paper-based or computerized system designed to manage hospital data, such as billing and patient records

Lithotomy position

Position of the patient with the feet in stirrups often used during delivery

Modality worklist (MWL)

Electronic lists of patients entered into a modality, such as ultrasound, which helps reduce data entry errors

Nongravid

Nonpregnant

Parity (P)

Refers to the number of pregnancies the patient has carried to term

Perivascular

Around the vessels

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS)

Database that stores radiologic images

Registry

The credentialing examinations and subsequent certification that demonstrate a sonographer’s proficiency in their field (ARDMS is the gold standard)

Scanning protocol

List of images required for a complete examination

Transabdominal

Imaging through the abdomen

Transducer footprint

Area of the transducer that comes in contact with the patient and emits ultrasound

Transvaginal/endovaginal

Within the vagina