Sonic Science

Before learning basic didactic scanning methodology it is critical to have a solid understanding of the physical laws governing ultrasound technology. LifeScan has provided a simple summary of the physics as it applies to sound, ultrasound, scanning hardware and bioeffects and artifacts. Trainees must prove an adequate level of knowledge as it applies to Physics before they can graduate to scanning patients.  

Ultrasound Origins

Ultrasound was invented by the Scottish Physician, Ian Donald, in 1957. he discovered that sound waves of very high frequencies can easily and harmlessly penetrate human flesh. Sound waves 'bounce' off bones and organs differently, enabling physicians to clearly identify the type of tissue by the nature of the reflection.

Part 1: Rudiments of Sound

Understanding the way sound waves travel is helpful in establishing a comprehensive view of Ultrasound technology. This section instructs you in the basic physics relating to sound waves and the differing spectrums of high and low frequency waves and their relative impacts.
 

Part 2: Fundamentals of Ultrasound

Part 2 introduces you to the dynamics of ultrasound, how the technology actually works, and a brief breakdown of the hardware sonographers use to scan patients.
 

Part3: The Challenge of Bioeffects

Scanning patients presents its own unique set of challenges. Various artifacts can hamper the pristine image quality the sonographer is trying to achieve. This section exposes these detrimental artifacts: shadows, edge shadows, enhancements,  and  reverberations - and explains how they can be avoided. Part 3 also discusses the A.L.A.R.A. principle, which is an industry standard