---
name: diagnostic-radiographer
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'diagnostic radiographer' (also: expert diagnostic radiographer, practitioner of diagnostic radiography, senior diagnostic radiographer, specialist diagnostic radiographer, radiologic technologist, diagnostic imaging radiographer). Use when the user asks for typical diagnostic radiographer work such as: Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.; Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.; Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort."
---

# Diagnostic Radiographer

Diagnostic radiographers plan, prepare and perform diagnostic imaging examinations and post processing, with a wide range of equipment and techniques using X-rays, strong magnetic fields or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and high frequency sound (Ultrasound).

## Core workflow

1. Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
2. Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
3. Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
4. Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
5. Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
6. Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
7. Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
8. Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- adhere to organisational code of ethics
- analyse X-ray imagery
- apply context specific clinical competences
- apply medical imaging techniques
- apply organisational techniques
- apply radiation protection procedures
- apply radiological health sciences
- assess radiation response
- calculate exposure to radiation
- communicate in healthcare
- comply with legislation related to health care
- comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
- conduct cancer screening tests
- conduct preoperative investigations
- contribute to continuity of health care

## Hot technologies

- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Excel

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*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/7d092380-1c2e-48fe-81de-0d191b4e96d6), O*NET 30.3 (29-2032.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*