Lesson 1Doppler basics: colour Doppler, power Doppler, pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) overviewThis lesson introduces colour, power, pulsed-wave, and continuous-wave Doppler modes. You'll review blood flow principles, aliasing issues, and when to use each in vascular and heart checks common in Kenyan hospitals.
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 effectsExplore tissue harmonics, spatial compounding, and speckle filters here. Learn when to switch them on, spot image improvements, and avoid over-processing that could hide important details.
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 zonesMaster basic machine adjustments like presets, depth, gain, TGC, dynamic range, and focus points. Practise quick control tweaks for clear B-mode images across different patients and cases.
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 scansLearn to pick the right probe frequency for belly, pelvis, and vessel scans. Match MHz to depth needs, sharpness, and patient build for better abdominal, pelvic, and vascular results.
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 clarityUnderstand beam steering and how focus zones sharpen side-to-side views. Compare one versus many foci, note scan speed effects, and place focus right for main 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-offsReview sound wave travel in tissues, frequency-wavelength links, and how fading signals balance sharpness versus depth. Connect these basics to daily scan decisions you make.
Acoustic wave properties and terminologyFrequency, period, and wavelength relationsPropagation speed in soft tissuesAttenuation, absorption, and scatteringAxial and lateral resolution trade-offsLesson 7Artefacts and their management: reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, anisotropy and how to reduce or use themStudy common artefacts like echoes, shadows, bright spots, mirrors, and angle effects. Learn to spot, cut down, or use them smartly to boost scan reliability.
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)Follow steps for image checks with test blocks and fast patient prep. Cover QA tips, preset loading, probe links, gel spread, and sweeps before starting real scans.
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 optimisation: PRF/scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, insonation angle effects, sample volume placementOptimise Doppler with PRF scale, baseline shift, clutter filter, gain, beam angle, and gate spot. Practise cutting wrap-around and noise for true flow signals.
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 usesSelect linear, curved, phased, or internal probes by size, range, build, and exam fit. Match each type to belly, heart, or private area needs in practice.
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
