Ultrasound Physics p2 - Articles defining Medical Ultrasound Imaging

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'Ultrasound Physics' p2

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z

Searchterm 'Ultrasound Physics' found in 13 articles
1 term [

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Piezoelectric Effect

Piezo means pressure, so piezoelectric means that pressure is generated when electrical energy is applied to a quartz crystal. When electrical energy is applied to the face of the crystal, the shape of the crystal changes as a function of the polarity of the applied electrical energy. As the crystal expands and contracts it produces compressions and rarefactions, and creates sound waves. When this material is struck by sound waves it creates electrical currents.
Thus, a piezoelectric crystal can produce a pulse of mechanical energy (pressure pulse) by electrically exciting the crystal (transmitter), and they can produce a pulse of electrical energy by mechanically exciting the crystal (receiver). This ultrasound physics principle is called the piezoelectric effect (pressure electricity), which was discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880, and is used to generate ultrasound waves. Instead of quartz crystals, piezoelectric ceramics such as barium titanate or lead zirconate titanate are also used, which are crystalline materials with similar piezoelectric properties.

See also Temporal Peak Intensity.

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Sonographer

The field of medical imaging offers numerous career opportunities, and one profession is that of a sonographer. Sonographers play a critical role in healthcare by utilizing ultrasound technology to create images of the body's internal structures.

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Becoming a Sonographer:
The educational and professional requirements for sonographers can vary from country to country. The duration of these programs can range from one to four years, depending on the country and level of qualification.
The typical path in the United States begins with obtaining a post-secondary education in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited program. These programs usually result in an associate's or bachelor's degree. Coursework typically covers anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, ultrasound physics, and specialized sonography techniques. Additionally, students gain practical experience through clinical internships in healthcare facilities.
After completing their education, aspiring sonographers can choose to obtain professional certification through organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certification often requires passing examinations that assess knowledge and competency in specific areas of sonography.
Many countries also have certification or registration requirements for sonographers. These certifications are typically obtained through professional bodies or organizations specific to each country. Examples include the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP) in Canada, the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) in Australia, and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) in the United Kingdom.

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Job Description:
Sonographers are skilled professionals who operate ultrasound machines and perform sonograms on patients. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide accurate and high-quality diagnostic images. Using sound waves, sonographers capture images of organs, tissues, and blood flow patterns, which are then used by medical practitioners to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.
Sonographers must have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, and sonographic techniques to optimize image quality. They interact directly with patients, explaining procedures, addressing concerns, and ensuring patient comfort throughout the scanning process. Documentation of findings and communication with the medical team are also essential responsibilities.
Some aspect of the job can be demanding, while sonographers often spend long hours on their feet, positioning and maneuvering patients during scans. Dealing with patients who are in pain, anxious, or difficult to scan requires empathy, patience, and excellent interpersonal skills. Sonographers often work in fast-paced environments, juggling multiple patients and procedures throughout the day. Effective time management is essential to ensure that scans are performed efficiently without compromising quality. Adhering to schedules and meeting the demands of the healthcare facility can add to the workload and stress levels.

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Salary Outlook:
The salary of a sonographer can vary, based on factors such as experience, specialization, geographic location, and work setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $77,740. Sonographers working in specialized hospitals, outpatient care centers, and diagnostic imaging centers tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in physician offices or government facilities. The salary prospects for sonographers outside the United States can vary significantly based on factors such as the country's economic conditions, healthcare system, demand for sonographers, and cost of living.

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Future Outlook:
The future outlook for sonographers appears highly favorable. The demand for ultrasound imaging continues to grow due to advancements in medical technology and an aging population. This increasing demand for sonographers is expected to result in good job prospects and potential career advancement opportunities. Monitoring job markets, understanding regulatory requirements, and networking with professionals in international healthcare communities can provide valuable insights into future opportunities.

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System International

The international system for units.
Le Systeme international d'Unites officially came into being in October 1960 and has been adopted by nearly all countries, though the amount of actual usage varies considerably.
It is based upon 7 principal units:
Length - meter (m)
Mass - kilogram(kg)
Time - second (s)
Electric current - ampere (A)
Temperature - Kelvin (K)
Amount of substance - mole (mol)
Luminous intensity - candela (cd)
From these basic units many other units are derived and named.

See also Ultrasound Physics.

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Thermal Units Per Hour

(BTU/Hr) BTU/Hr is a common measure of heat transfer rate. Capacities of furnaces and boilers are for example expressed in thermal units per hour (British unit). One BTU/Hr is the amount of heat required to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit per hour.
BTU/Hr is the unit that expresses how much the ultrasound machine heats up the surrounding area.

See also Thermal Effect, Ultrasound Physics.

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Ultrasound Gel

An ultrasound (US) scanning gel has the same conductivity as the human body and is applied between the transducer and the skin surface. Air is a bad conductor of US, so this acoustic gel is used to conducts the sound beam and allows the ultrasound probe to pass smoothly over the skin.
The gel will be removed after the examination, and it will not stain skin or clothing. The basic dermatological requirement of a scanning gel is that it be free of skin irritants or sensitizers. In addition, effective preservatives with low incidence of skin reaction are required to prevent microbiological degradation of the gel. The broad range of patients imaged with ultrasound, from pregnant women and infants to the infirm or elderly dictates that the risk of skin reaction must be minimized.
The effect of small bubbles in the ultrasound couplant under the transducer is to disperse the ultrasound which results in clouding of the image. This effect is most clearly seen on anechoic regions of the image which becomes cloudy. Air bubbles, regardless of their size, degrade the performance of ultrasound in all medical applications including imaging, Lithotripsy and physical therapy.
There are some chemicals, including mineral oil, silicone oil, alcohol, surfactants, and fragrances that can degrade the acoustic lens, destroy bonding, or change the acoustic properties of the lens. The use of scanning gels or lotions in diagnostic ultrasound containing these chemicals should be avoided. In therapeutic ultrasound, ultrasound transmission gels and lotions commonly contain oils and other chemicals not intended for use with diagnostic imaging transducers.

See also Ultrasound Therapy and Ultrasound Physics.