Lesson 1Doppler basics: color Doppler, power Doppler, pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler, continuous-wave (CW) overviewThis section introduces color, power, pulsed-wave, and continuous-wave Doppler. Learners review basic hemodynamic principles, aliasing, and when each Doppler mode is appropriate in routine vascular and cardiac assessments.
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 enable each option, recognize expected image changes, and avoid overprocessing artifacts.
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 core machine controls, including presets, depth, overall gain, TGC, dynamic range, and focal zones. Learners practice systematic knobology to rapidly obtain balanced, diagnostic B‑mode images in varied 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 how to choose appropriate transmit frequency for different body regions. Learners relate MHz selection to penetration, resolution, and patient habitus for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular ultrasound examinations.
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 concepts and how focal zones influence lateral resolution. Learners compare single versus multiple focal zones, understand frame rate impact, and learn practical focus placement for key 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 travel through tissue, how frequency and wavelength relate, and how attenuation and resolution trade-offs affect image quality. Learners link physics concepts directly to everyday scanning choices.
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 such as reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, and anisotropy. Learners learn to recognize, minimize, or deliberately use artifacts to improve diagnostic confidence.
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 use, and sweep checks before diagnostic imaging.
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 optimizing Doppler settings, including PRF or scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, angle, and sample volume. Learners practice reducing aliasing and noise while preserving accurate spectral information.
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 how to select and use linear, curved, phased array, and endocavitary probes. Emphasis is placed on footprint, frequency range, construction basics, and matching each transducer type to specific clinical applications.
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
