Ultrasound Machine Warm-Up:
The ultrasound scanner should be turned on and allowed to warm up for at least 5 minutes before initiating the examination. This allows the system to stabilize and ensures consistent performance.

Transducer Selection:
The appropriate pobe should be selected based on the type of examination required, as well as the patient's body size, weight, and habitus. Different transducer offer varying frequencies, field of view, and imaging capabilities, allowing for tailored imaging based on the specific clinical needs.

Power Settings and Techniques:
Prior to beginning the examination, it is crucial to verify and adjust the power settings and imaging techniques according to the examination protocol. This ensures that the ultrasound machine is optimized for the specific diagnostic requirements

Acoustic Couplant Application:
An adequate amount of acoustic couplant, such as warmed ultrasound gel, should be applied to the patient's skin or the transducer surface. This gel serves as a medium that promotes maximum transmission of the sound beam by eliminating air interfaces, leading to improved image quality.

Transducer Cleaning and Probe Covers:
All transducers should be cleaned and readily available for use with each patient. While endocavitary ultrasound probes are often protected by single-use disposable probe covers, it is important to maintain proper hygiene by performing a high-level disinfection of the probe between each use. Additionally, using a probe cover as an additional measure can help keep the probe clean and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

In 1880 the Curie brothers discovered the piezoelectric effect in quartz. Converse piezoelectricity was mathematically deduced from fundamental thermodynamic principles by Lippmann in 1881.

In 1917, Paul Langevin (France) and his coworkers developed an underwater sonar system (called hydrophone) that uses the piezoelectric effect to detect submarines through echo location.

In 1935, the first RADAR system was produced by the British physicist Robert Watson-Wat. Also about 1935, developments began with the objective to use ultrasonic power therapeutically, utilizing its heating and disruptive effects on living tissues. In 1936, Siemens markets the first ultrasonic therapeutic machine, the Sonostat.

Shortly after the World War II, researchers began to explore medical diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound. Karl Theo Dussik (Austria) attempted to locate the cerebral ventricles by measuring the transmission of ultrasound beam through the skull. Other researchers try to use ultrasound to detect gallstones, breast masses, and tumors. These first investigations were performed with A-mode.

Shortly after the World War II, researchers in Europe, the United States and Japan began to explore medical diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound. Karl Theo Dussik (Austria) attempted to locate the cerebral ventricles by measuring the transmission of ultrasound beam through the skull. Other researchers, e.g. George Ludwig (United States) tried to use ultrasound to detect gallstones, breast masses, and tumors. This first experimentally investigations were performed with A-mode. Ultrasound pioneers contributed innovations and important discoveries, for example the velocity of sound transmission in animal soft tissues with a mean value of 1540 m/sec (still in use today), and determined values of the optimal scanning frequency of the ultrasound transducer.

In the early 50`s the first B-mode images were obtained. Images were static, without gray-scale information in simple black and white and compound technique. Carl Hellmuth Hertz and Inge Edler (Sweden) made in 1953 the first scan of heart activity. Ian Donald and Colleagues (Scotland) were specialized on obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound research. By continuous development it was possible to study pregnancy and diagnose possible complications.

After about 1960 two-dimensional compound procedures were developed. The applications in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound boomed worldwide from the mid 60's with both, A-scan and B-scan equipment. In the late 60's B-mode ultrasonography replaced A-mode in wide parts.

In the 70's gray scale imaging became available and with progress of computer technique ultrasonic imaging gets better and faster.

After continuous work, in the 80's fast realtime B-mode gray-scale imaging was developed. Electronic focusing and duplex flow measurements became popular. A wider range of applications were possible.

In the 90's, high resolution scanners with digital beamforming, high transducer frequencies, multi-channel focus and broad-band transducer technology became state of the art. Optimized tissue contrast and improved diagnostic accuracy lead to an important role in breast imaging and cancer detection. Color Doppler and Duplex became available and sensitivity for low flow was continuously improved.

Actually, machines with advanced ultrasound system performance are equipped with realtime compound imaging, tissue harmonic imaging, contrast harmonic imaging, vascular assessment, matrix array transducers, pulse inversion imaging, 3D and 4D ultrasound with panoramic view.

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