Ultrasound Equipment Terminology
Below are some definitions of common ultrasound related terminology:
Adaptive Tissue Flash Rejection (ATFR)
ANGLE
In the Spectral Doppler mode, the default angle correction feature remains active.
In the real time or cine modes, turn this knob to adjust the Doppler Angle Correction by lining up the cursor with the vessel wall for an accurate reading.
The Doppler Angle Correction setting is limited to a maximum of ±72 degrees and can be adjusted 2 degrees at a time.
Angio
ARROW
This creates a new arrow pointer at the center of the image area. Use the Trackball to change its position or use MENU-knob to change its direction.
AUDIO
Adjust the audible Doppler audio volume in Doppler mode
In real time B mode, it can be used for monitor brightness control.
AUTO
During real time Doppler mode, use this key to access Auto Doppler function, e.g. auto baseline adjustment, auto PRF increment.
Automatic Imaging Optimization (AIO)
During image scanning, press this key to optimize the image for a better quality in resolution automatically
B Mode
Press the B-knob to turn on 2D B-mode imaging. The system will stay in B mode if the current state is B
Turn this knob to change the overall B gain throughout the image.
Baseline
Use this paddle to control the zero Velocity Baseline shifting.
In Color mode, the maximum detectable Velocity is stretched.
In Spectral Doppler mode, the spectrum is wrapped around.
Body Mark
Press the Body Mark-key in Cine mode to bring up available Body Marker icons associated with the current EXAM mode.
Calculation (CALC)
This feature supports the optional OB/GYN, Vascular, Urology, Cardiac and General calculation packages.
Refer to Measurement & Calculation section for details.
Clear (CLR)
Press this key to clear all texts, annotations, body marks and calipers from the imaging screen in Cine mode.
If a measurement is active, this command will return the system to Cine mode.
Color Doppler
Motion is converted to color signal.
Color Flow Angio mode (PD (CPA) mode)
Press the CPA-key;
To turn on the PD mode if the system is in B mode; PD (CPA) mode
To turn on PD Triplex if the system is in duplex Doppler
A second time to turn off PD and return to the previous mode (either B-mode or duplex Doppler)
Color Flow Map (CFM Mode)
Pressing this knob;
Can turn on Color Triplex if the system's current state is duplex Doppler
To turn on color M mode if the current state is M mode and the probe supports this function
A second time to turn off color to return to the previous mode
In Color mode, moving the Trackball will change the CROI (Color Region of Interest) position
Press the SET-key to toggle the Trackball function between CROI re-sizing and CROI position.
In CFM (PD) frozen mode, press C-knob to toggle the system onto/off of CROI. It is easy to view the frozen B image without color.
Press the FREEZE-key in frozen mode and return to CFM active mode, regardless of the toggle state
Turn C-knob to decrease or increase the overall Color gain for CFM (PD) mode.
COMMENT
Comments can be added in the image area in real time or cine mode. Manual entry or recalling the phrases from annotation library is allowed.
Continuous Wave mode (CW mode)
If the probe supports CW mode, e.g. a phased array probe
Depth
Press this paddle up/down to change the image depth of view.
DICOM
Digital file format for medical images. "Digital communications of Medicine"
Distance (DIST)
In 2D measurement.
In Doppler cine mode, press DIST -key one time to measure Flow Velocity
Press DIST-key to access combination measurement of two points.
In measurement; press DIST-key two times to access LV function.
Double Phase digital Beam Forming
Dual Mode
This key;
Splits the imaging screen for a side-by-side image comparison.
Also allows one image run in B mode and the other in color in real time.
It is also used to combine both an active and a frozen image in order "to form an extended image field for viewing with a flat probe.
ECG
ELLIPSE
In 2D mode, ELLIPSE-key is for measurement of Area/Circumference with elliptical method.
In Doppler cine mode, this key can be used to calculate PI and RI in Doppler mode. Refer to Doppler Measurement detail.
In M cine mode, this key is for Time measurement.
FOCUS
Use this paddle to move the transmitted focal position up or down in any mode while B mode is active.
The transmitted focal position remains at the center of the Doppler Sample Volume Gate in spectral Doppler mode, and at the center of the CROI in color mode.
Frame Rate
Priority ensures continuous scanning data especially for capturing moving images of cardiac disease. (Chison Q6 brochure)
Freeze
Freeze/Un-Freeze the ultrasound image and enter/quit the Cine mode automatically.
To stop automatic playback during review of clips in File Manager
Press a second time to return to File Manager interface
High Q Noise Filter (HQNF)
Efficiently reduces doppler noise and improves doppler images and color flow.
i-image
Term used by Chison. Unclear definition.
Intima Media Thickening (IMT) Calculation.
Intimal Medial Thickening Calculation software. A calculation used to measure arterial calcifications and plaques.
Used for risk stratification of atherosclerosis.
INVERT
In Color mode, the flow direction (blue and red) can be inverted by pressing the INVERT key.
In PW or CW mode, the spectrum will be reversed according to the baseline when INVERT key is pressed.
Left/Right Reversion (L|R)
In single image mode, use LlR-key to reverse the image between the left/right orientations
In dual or quad mode, it can be used to set the active image for display.
MicroScan Technology
MENU
This key provides multiple functions that change with the active mode on the screen.
In EXAM selection page, press this key to bring up SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.
In real-time mode, it accesses the Soft-key Menu that corresponds to each mode. Combined with the trackball and SET-key, the MENU-key allows user to choose items in the soft-key function menu, as well as changing its value.
NOTE: Press the MENU-key to activate the Soft-Menu control at any time, in case you do not find the control key on the keyboard for the active mode.
Motion mode (M mode)
Press the M-knob;
To enter duplex M-mode with B active if the current mode is B;
A second to exit from the M-mode and return to B or CFM mode.
If the probe supports Color-M, press the M-knob to enter color-M when the current mode is CFM
When entering M-mode, the M-mode cursor appears at a default position on the B image. Move the Trackball to change the M cursor position. Press the UPDATE-key to activate a simultaneous M-mode image display. Press the UPDATE-key-a second time to toggle the display back to duplex M-mode with B active.
Turn the knob to change the overall M gain throughout the image
M-Tuning (Auto Optimization)
Multi–Anatomic M-Mode
MultiBeam Processing
Upgrades imaging velocity and improves the facility and teal-timing of images.
Multi-frequency.
Systems able to acquire data at multiple frequencies such as 4-7 MHz for the linear probe.
Older machines could only work at one fixed frequence like convex 3.5 or could only be at one frequency at a time.
Natural Frequency Digital Scan Converter (NFDSC)
Panoramic Imaging
Ultra-wide sight promises a clear vision and maximum of information on tissue and lesions.
PATIENT
Use the PATIENT-key to start a new patient record, edit a current patient's data, or select a previous patient's exam data.
POWER
Press power button to turn on system
Press down power button for a few seconds to turn off system
PROBE
Press PROBE-key to bring up EXAM screen showing all available EXAM modes supported for the probes connected to the system
Progressive Digital Dynamic Focusing (PDDF)
Progressive Real-time Apodization (PRA)
Progressive Real-time Aperture Change (PRAC)
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)
Press this paddle up/down to change PRF setting in the color or Spectral Doppler modes
If you adjust PRF continuously, you will enter HPRF mode.
In CW mode, the PRF function changes the spectrum scale(virtual PRF).
Pulse Wave (PW mode)
Press the D-knob to;
Turn on the duplex Doppler duplex mode if the current mode is B
Turn on Triplex if the current mode is CFM or PD
Toggle the Trackball function between Sample Volume Gate resizing and position.
After the sample volume gate is defined to activate the Spectral Doppler mode.
A second time to toggle back to 2D (B or Color) update and deactivate the Spectral Doppler.
When Doppler mode is not active, moving the Trackball will change the sample volume gate position.
Turn the knob to change the overall Doppler gain for PW and CW mode
Quad mode
Four single B mode images can be displayed at the same time when pressing the numeric key 4 on Alphanumeric Keyboard.
One is active and the other three are frozen. Use Left/Right (L/R) key to activate one image and freeze other images.
Quad mode is also available on Color mode.
REPORT
After all the measurements and calculations have been done, press REPORT –key, in frozen mode, to get a report with all the measurements will be automatically generated.
Shortcut Keys
Buttons on the display console.
Spatial Compound Imaging
Speckle Reduction
Very important feature according to some vendors. Improves image quality greatly.
STEER
In Color mode, use this paddle to change the CROI steer angle for the linear probe
In Doppler mode, this item can be used to change PW cursor steering directions in the linear probe.
Time Gain Compensation (TGC)
Manipulate the TGC with 8 pairs of sliders to assist with picture quality.
Tissue Correlated Smart Frequency Selection (TCSFS)
Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI)
Turn TDI on or off (PW Doppler cardiac only).
Tissue Harmonic Imaging (THI):
Turns on/off THI (Tissue Harmonic Imaging).
THI can be activated in any 2D mode and applies to the B image.
Changes image quality. May affect contrast and spatial resolution.
Top/Sub MENU
The Top/Sub Menu knobs (SKl~SK5) contain exam functions and mode/function specific controls.
NOTE: Different menus are displayed depending on which Top/Sub Menu is selected.
TRACE
In 2D mode, TRACE-key is for measurement of Area/Circumference with tracing method.
In Doppler cine mode this key can be used to calculate PI and RI in Doppler mode with manual tracing method.
In M cine mode this key is for combination measurement of Distance, Slope and Time.
Trapezoid Linear Imaging
Allows a linear transducer to present data in a trapezoidal pattern similar to a convex transducer.
This effectively increases the field of view without losing data.
Update:
Can toggle between Doppler and 2D update mode or between M and 2D update.
In Measurement mode
Can be used to switch between
Start point and end point (distance)
Long-axis and short-axis (ellipse) before the measurement is finished.
After your finish measurement and return to cine mode, press UPDATE-key and use Trackball to move Result Window, and press SET -key to anchor the Window.
Up/Down Reversion (U|D)
Reverse the 2D(B or Color) image orientation 180 degrees
WALL FILTER
Use this paddle to change the setting of the Wall Filter in the color or Doppler modes.
Links to websites with ultrasound terminology, physics, and background information: