Physics and principles of ultrasound imaging

Prior to incorporating the use of ultrasound into one's daily practice, it is essential to understand the basic physics and principles of ultrasound imaging. In order to obtain the best image, one should position the target tissue as close to the transducer as possible, and use the highest frequency transducer that will penetrate to the desired depth. Some ''golden rules'' of ultrasound imaging include: '(1) Never make an interpretation on a single image. . . (2) Because a feature is displayed it is not necessarily real. . . (3) Because a feature is not displayed it is not necessarily not there.' (6) It is only through practice, and repeated imaging that one develops the skills necessary to fully reap the benefits of ultrasound imaging.