Sonography Scanning Best Practices & Clinical Etiquette

Instructor flashes an image of a sonographer at work and immediately asks: “Anything wrong with this picture?”
- Implicit goal: train students to recognize faulty ergonomics visually and instinctively.
Key checks students are reminded to make whenever scanning (or evaluating another person’s scan):
- Body posture: neutral spine, shoulders relaxed.
- Probe-hand alignment: wrist straight, hand supported when possible.
- Equipment position: monitor at or slightly below eye level, within direct line of sight to avoid neck strain.
- Chair/bed height: adjusted so arm and forearm form an angle ≤ 90^{\circ} (reduces shoulder stress).
- Cable management: prevent drag that forces wrist deviation.
Instructor promises continuous monitoring (“we’re gonna be checking those things and just reminding you”).
- Purpose: build muscle memory for safe technique before clinical placement.

Yesterday’s session referenced: “Yes, I’ve been arrested yesterday” (metaphoric humor to re-emphasize seriousness of correct practice).
Main warning: Do NOT pick up bad habits from practicing sonographers in clinics.
- Students will encounter a variety of styles; some are ergonomically unsafe.
Professional etiquette:
- As a student, you may not “know the people really well,” so direct correction could be awkward or inappropriate.
- Instead, silently note poor practices and avoid copying them.
- Preserve your own body; cumulative micro-trauma is real.
Specific danger called out: “you’re gonna injure yourself because you’re doing more than 30—” (context implied: exceeding safe limits such as 30^{\circ} wrist/shoulder abduction or >30 minutes static posture without a break).

Ergonomic vigilance is part of your competency—not optional.
The program’s standards supersede workplace shortcuts you might witness.
Early adoption of safe habits protects long-term career health (prevents MSK injuries common in sonographers).