City and County of San Francisco

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Performs diagnostic imaging procedures in the advanced modality of Diagnostic Medical Sonography; selects and operates a variety of diagnostic ultrasound equipment; applies non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to patients through the use of transducers to produce images of internal organs for diagnostic interpretation by a physician, including obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal evaluations; performs specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as aspirations, doppler and vascular work, neonatal, neurosonography, carotid and thyroid scans, scrotal scans and portable scans; may process film.

2. Assesses general patient condition, including stability, pain and safety, and as necessary takes action consistent with appropriate standards; monitors medical equipment and promptly adjusts or reports problems; observes and documents patient physical and procedural restraints.

3. Documents procedures and events in the patient’s medical record and departmental logs, in accordance with regulatory, hospital and departmental standards; identifies images and documents with patient, technologist, date/time and laterality information. May perform CPR.

4. Applies principles of radiation safety in compliance with federal, state and departmental standards; uses appropriate filters, cones, protective clothing and devices to obtain high-quality images with radiation exposure levels as low as reasonably achievable to patients, others and self; wears and exchanges radiation monitoring devices; practices and requires of others, specific safety procedures pertaining to magnetic forces when working in MRI.

5. Transports patients using gurneys, wheelchairs and beds; transfers patients to and from the exam table.

6. Schedules procedures and patients; transfers paper orders into an electronic order entry system; collates images and paperwork, and submits them for interpretation; receives and assists patients and other customers; answers departmental telephones; may be assigned to coordinate patient flow.

7. Sets up sterile and non-sterile trays, and provides instruments, medical devices and supplies as requested.

8. Trains medical and technical personnel such as radiology residents and student diagnostic imaging technologists in the science and practice of diagnostic sonography.

9. Participates in departmental Quality Improvement efforts.

10. Cleans imaging equipment and calibrates as necessary; cleans supplies and procedure rooms; acts as liaison with field service engineer to effect necessary repairs

11. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: the science of diagnostic sonographic imaging; abdominal, obstetrical/gynecological, neo-natal, neurosonography, vascular, doppler and other imaging or therapeutic procedures; anatomy and anatomical landmarks; safety standards, including body substance precautions and body mechanics; general knowledge of Title 22.

Ability to: effectively follow oral and written instructions and to perform diagnostic imaging procedures in sonography; care for patients’ needs; perform venipuncture and CPR; communicate, interact and resolve problems with patients, physicians, co-workers, students and other customers; adhere to preventive and safety standards to limit exposure to radiation, accidents, health hazards and disagreeable elements; perform the full range of body motion, manual dexterity and eye hand coordination; stand, walk or sit for extensive periods of time; lift and carry heavy items; maintain clinical competency and pertinent continuing education; and adapt to changing technologies.