Ultrasound Awareness Month which takes place every year in October, aims to spread awareness regarding the use of ultrasound machines. While the machine was initially used to detect pregnancies, today it is an essential part of the healthcare system. This is because ultrasound machines are utilized to detect tumors, cancers, and several other conditions in the entire human body! This knowledge is necessary to spread since ultrasonography is a medical field that now requires experienced professionals. Studying sonography is quite tough, hence, the graduates have a bright future. Want to know more about the importance of ultrasound? Keep on reading to find out more!
History of Ultrasound Awareness Month
Today, we often head out to hospitals for ultrasounds when we suspect pregnancy or aim to detect a cyst. However, the facility we have today was formulated after years of research and experimentation. Can you believe the first written document discussing the use of these waves involves navigating flying bats? The experiment took place in 1794 by Italian physicist Lazaro Spallanzani.
Then came the mission of producing sound waves of high frequencies. Galton in 1880, managed to produce sound waves of a 40-hertz frequency. That very year, the brothers Jacques and Pierre Curie realized that electricity could be created in a crystal of quartz. This experimentation elevated to the next step during WWI when the French government began innovating high-frequency sound waves to find German submarines. These studies were used by the U.S. Navy to develop SONAR (Sound Navigation And Ranging).
Ultrasound was still being used on waves and the utilization of the machine for healthcare was a non-existent idea. In 1928, a Soviet physicist pitched the idea of using ultrasound on metal structures. From there on, efforts were made to redefine the uses of the ultrasound machine. From 1947 to 1948, a technique where ultrasound was used to visualize the cerebral ventricles, was introduced to visualize the cerebral ventricles. Known as ‘hyper phonography,’ the technique was introduced by Karl Dussik, an Austrian physician, and his brother Frederick. However, the real breakthrough was made when George Ludwig carried out research into gallstones embedded in soft tissues in 1949. He was working at the Naval Military Research Institute, in the United States.
Ultrasound Awareness Month timeline
Ian Donald conducts the first sonogram.
The first ultrasound test is conducted.
Ultrasound use becomes commercial.
The first handheld ultrasound scanner is used in the U.S.
Ultrasound Awareness Month FAQs
What is an ultrasound technician for babies called?
The official name is ‘Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.’
Is math used in sonography?
Sonography requires courses such as math and science.
Do you need good grades to be a sonographer?
Yes. You will need a C.G.P.A. of 2.5.
How to Observe Ultrasound Awareness Month
Watch a documentary
If you want to understand everything related to the field, watch a documentary that gives a detailed analysis of the history and uses of ultrasound machines. Who knows, you might end up developing intriguing ideas of your own.
Take a tour at a hospital
To see sonographers do their magic in real time, volunteer at a hospital, and witness the use of an ultrasound machine. You can even volunteer at a vet to see how the machine can do wonders for animal health.
Find a museum
Watching a documentary may be boring for some people. If you are one of those, head out to a museum that has on display ultrasound machines from history. You will also get to find out interesting details about the innovators.
5 Amazing Facts About Ultrasound
Animals can hear the waves
Ultrasound waves can be heard by dogs and cats.
Use of ultrasound by vets
Ultrasound helps in detecting disorders in animals.
Ultrasound is energy
Ultrasound is not electrical, but mechanical energy.
Ultrasonic waves and bones
The waves cannot pass through bone.
Other uses of ultrasound
It is used to clean jewelry, watches, and surgical instruments.
Why Ultrasound Awareness Month is Important
Talks about the different uses of ultrasound
The ultrasound machine is used to detect pregnancies, cysts, tumors, and several other issues that may arise in the human body. Hence, all individuals in the medical field need to understand how this technology can help in discovering other diseases.
Gives insight regarding the development of the machine
It took years to develop the machine and figure out its appropriate uses. The month helps in increasing awareness regarding all the efforts made for this technological innovation.
It motivates people to join the field
Sonography is a field that is developing fast and needs more people to study it to improve the services being provided. The month in effect, helps in motivating people to work in the profession.
Ultrasound Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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