Lesson 1Doppler basics: colour Doppler, power Doppler, pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) overviewThis section introduces colour, power, pulsed-wave, and continuous-wave Doppler techniques. Learners review basic blood flow principles, aliasing issues, and suitable use of each Doppler mode in everyday vascular and heart assessments in Eritrea.
Doppler effect and flow direction basicsColor Doppler principles and mapsPower Doppler sensitivity and usesPulsed-wave Doppler applicationsContinuous-wave Doppler indicationsLesson 2Harmonics, compound imaging, speckle reduction: when to enable and expected effectsThis section explores tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, and speckle reduction filters. Learners identify when to activate each feature, recognise image changes, and avoid overprocessing errors in ultrasound scans.
Tissue harmonic imaging indicationsEffects of harmonics on resolution and noiseSpatial compound imaging benefitsSpeckle reduction filters and limitsBalancing detail with artifact controlLesson 3Machine controls and presets: presets, depth, gain, time-gain compensation (TGC), dynamic range, focal zonesThis section details essential machine controls, including presets, depth, overall gain, TGC, dynamic range, and focal zones. Learners practise systematic adjustments to quickly achieve balanced, diagnostic B-mode images in various Eritrean clinical scenarios.
Selecting and modifying exam presetsDepth and field of view adjustmentsOverall gain versus TGC shapingDynamic range and image contrastFocal zone number and placementSaving user presets and recallLesson 4Frequency selection and penetration: choosing MHz for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular scansThis section covers selecting appropriate transmit frequency for different body areas. Learners connect MHz choices to penetration, resolution, and patient build for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular ultrasound exams in local practice.
Frequency versus penetration principlesChoosing MHz for abdominal imagingFrequency choices for pelvic scanningFrequency ranges for vascular studiesAdjusting for body habitus and depthLesson 5Beamforming and focus: setting focal zones and single vs multiple foci for image clarityThis section explains beamforming ideas and how focal zones affect side-to-side resolution. Learners compare single versus multiple focal zones, understand frame rate effects, and learn practical focus placement for vital organs.
Transmit and receive beamforming basicsFocal depth and lateral resolutionSingle versus multiple focal zonesFocus and frame rate trade-offsBest focus placement by anatomyLesson 6Fundamental ultrasound physics: sound propagation, frequency, wavelength, attenuation, resolution trade-offsThis section reviews how sound waves move through tissues, how frequency and wavelength connect, and how attenuation and resolution balances impact image quality. Learners link physics ideas directly to daily scanning decisions in Eritrea.
Acoustic wave properties and terminologyFrequency, period, and wavelength relationsPropagation speed in soft tissuesAttenuation, absorption, and scatteringAxial and lateral resolution trade-offsLesson 7Artifacts and their management: reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, anisotropy and how to reduce or use themThis section reviews common ultrasound artifacts like reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, and anisotropy. Learners learn to spot, lessen, or purposefully use artifacts to boost diagnostic certainty in scans.
Reverberation and comet-tail artifactsAcoustic shadowing and its causesPosterior acoustic enhancement usesMirror image and refraction artifactsAnisotropy in tendons and nervesTechniques to reduce unwanted artifactsLesson 8Image quality check procedures: phantom/QA basics and quick pre-scan checks on live patients (preset load, probe connection, gel, sweep)This section outlines routine image quality checks using phantoms and quick pre-scan steps on patients. Topics include QA basics, verifying presets, probe connection, gel application, and sweep checks before diagnostic imaging in Eritrean clinics.
Phantom types and QA test basicsChecking depth, gain, and resolutionVerifying probe selection and cablesGel application and contact assessmentQuick sweep for global image reviewLesson 9Doppler settings and optimization: PRF/scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, insonation angle effects, sample volume placementThis section focuses on fine-tuning Doppler settings, including PRF or scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, angle, and sample volume. Learners practise reducing aliasing and noise while keeping accurate spectral data for vascular studies.
Setting PRF or scale to avoid aliasingBaseline shifts and display choicesWall filter to remove low-frequency noiseDoppler gain and noise managementInsonation angle and angle correctionSample volume size and placementLesson 10Transducer types and construction: linear, curved (convex), phased array, endocavitary; footprint and clinical usesThis section explains selecting and using linear, curved, phased array, and endocavitary probes. Focus is on footprint, frequency range, basic construction, and matching each probe type to specific clinical needs in Eritrea.
Piezoelectric elements and housingLinear array footprint and indicationsCurved array for abdominal and OB usePhased array for cardiac and intercostalEndocavitary probes and safetyProbe care, handling, and damage signs
