Eastern Plumas Health Care has recently purchased a new ultrasound machine—the GE Logic S8–which is several hundred pounds lighter and easier to move than the older unit it replaced. For Darlene Aikey, Ultrasound Technologist, the differences are much more profound. Replacing a ten year old machine means “light years in advancement.”
Image quality on the new machine is much better thanks to “image harmonics,” which “puts together a set of ultrasound information and uses it to create a crisper image.” In layperson’s terms, it allows Aikey to see more in the image. It also allows for the same clear imaging no matter what body type a person has—heavy, light, young, old, big or small.
Now, images are crisper and more defined, so that tiny abnormalities, such as a cyst, or a lesion on the liver or kidneys, or on a woman’s uterus can be seen. Aikey then measures the abnormality and the radiologist at Northstar Imaging in Reno gives the diagnosis. The new machine’s “sensitivity” makes Aikey more confident in her imaging technique which, in turn, allows the radiologist to be all the more confident in making his diagnosis.
Aikey stressed that there is a place for both ultrasound and CAT scans and that sometimes after a patient has a CAT scan, an ultrasound will be ordered to futher classify an abnormality and vice versa. Still, the quality of the new ultrasound means that there are times the second test is now unnessary.
According to Aikey, ultrasound is the area of radiology that is dependent on the technologist for a quality image, and she appreciates that challenge. Though the new machine has an “auto optimize” feature that automatically adjusts for light/darkness, depth, and more, she ultimately makes the decision whether she’ll go with that image or override it manually.
Aikey said that her background in photography serves her well in her career as an ultrasonographer. “Ultrasound,” she explained, “is operator dependent.” She makes the decision as to whether an image is the right quality, and she doesn’t stop until she gets the best image possible. Aikey takes pride in her work, and delivers top quality images.
“Although I’m very happy to have it [the new machine], I’m ultimately responsible for getting the best pictures. I’m in control and fully responsible for the images. I love it so much, and I chose this field because I love photography. I equate [doing ultrasounds] to photography. You can be artistic—there’s an art to ultrasound. You’re diagnosing, but it’s an art.”
Aikey pointed out that quality imaging is obviously good for the patient, but the fact that EPHC was willing to purchase the new, high quality equipment “guarantees me wanting to stay here. It’s a big deal for us.”
Aikey went on to “say thank you to the Auxiliary and Foundation [they donated the funds for the new ultrasound equipment]. Without their help, the hospital couldn’t have had this machine—and it was really needed. They need to know how appreciated they are.”