Postgraduate - UnitSON4021 - Sonographic abdominal imaging

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Offered	Clayton First semester 2012 (Off-campus) Clayton Second semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)	Mr Paul Lombardo

Synopsis

Sonographic scanning methods and standard protocols related to examinations of
adult liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, urinary
system, spleen, retroperitoneum, abdominal wall and related vascular structures. The
scientific principles underpinning tissue harmonic imaging and use of contrast agents
in abdominal sonography. Interpretational skills in respect to recognition of
sonographic appearances of normal anatomy, anatomical variants, disease
processes and ability to modify standard sonographic approaches with regards to the
clinical question and patient presentation.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. describe and justify the selection of protocols, imaging parameters,

equipment and transducers for sonographic examinations of the organs and
structures comprising the digestive and urinary systems;

2. perform routine sonographic examinations of the abdomen safely and to a

standard and ethical conduct expected of a competent sonographer:

3. recognise and describe normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of

the organs and structures comprising the digestive and urinary systems and
related artefacts;

4. appreciate the need to adapt and modify standard imaging protocols when

dictated by the clinical condition of the patient together with the limitations of
this imaging method;

5. use Spectral, Colour and Power Doppler techniques where appropriate;
6. demonstrate an understanding of the application of contrast agents and tissue

harmonic imaging in abdominal sonography, describe and apply quality
assurance principles to sonographic abdominal imaging.

Assessment

Compulsory attainment of a requisite number of ultrasound examinations (hurdle
requirement)
Two assignments (30%)
Written examination (2 hours) (40%)
Image recognition examination (1 hour) (20%)
Clinical skills assessment (10%)

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Paul Lombardo

Prerequisites

SON4000, SON4010

Co-requisites

3 days a week performing relevant clinical ultrasound examinations or equivalent