title: Ultrasound instrumentation.
abstract: This article begins by reviewing the basic physical principles of ultrasound emphasizing those factors which control the resolution of the ultrasound image. It next proceeds to a discussion of the types of ultrasound instruments currently available for diagnostic use including their method of image production and focusing as well as the system utilized for creating a real-time image. The types of scanners currently available are then grouped by certain common characteristics and the strengths and weaknesses of each type of instrument is examined. There is also a discussion of specialized ultrasound scanners such as dedicated breast scanners and doppler instruments. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for the most suitable instrument for various clinical situations.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D014159:Transducers; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000295:instrumentation; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods