Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary-functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.

Job Task

• Enter factors such as amount and quality of radiation beam, and filming sequence, into computer.
• Explain testing procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
• Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
• Monitor patientsÆ blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in order to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
• Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
• Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation and cerebral circulation.
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
• Prepare and position patients for testing.
• Prepare reports of diagnostic procedures for interpretation by physician.
• Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
• Conduct tests of pulmonary system, using spirometer and other respiratory testing equipment.
• Inject contrast medium into patients' blood vessels.
• Activate fluoroscope and camera to produce images used to guide catheter through cardiovascular system.
• Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
• Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
• Assist physicians in diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and peripheral vascular treatments, for example, assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.
• Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
• Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
• Conduct electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, and other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, and laboratory instruments.
• Obtain and record patient identification, medical history and test results.
• Reprogram pacemakers according to required standards.
• Supervise and train other cardiology technologists and students.

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