Lesson 1Doppler Basics: Colour Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed-Wave (PW) Doppler, Continuous-Wave (CW) OverviewThis lesson introduces the fundamentals of colour, power, pulsed-wave, and continuous-wave Doppler techniques. Participants will explore basic haemodynamic concepts, aliasing issues, and the suitable applications of each Doppler mode in standard vascular and cardiac evaluations.
Doppler effect and flow direction basicsColour 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 lesson delves into tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, and speckle reduction filters. Learners will learn to identify optimal times to activate these features, observe resulting image improvements, and steer clear of overprocessing that could introduce artefacts.
Tissue harmonic imaging indicationsEffects of harmonics on resolution and noiseSpatial compound imaging benefitsSpeckle reduction filters and limitsBalancing detail with artefact controlLesson 3Machine Controls and Presets: Presets, Depth, Gain, Time-Gain Compensation (TGC), Dynamic Range, Focal ZonesThis lesson examines key machine controls such as presets, depth, overall gain, TGC, dynamic range, and focal zones. Participants will practise efficient knobology to quickly achieve well-balanced, diagnostic B-mode images across various clinical situations.
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 lesson discusses selecting the right transmit frequency for different body areas. Learners will connect MHz choices to penetration depth, resolution quality, and patient build for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular ultrasound procedures.
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 lesson explains beamforming principles and the role of focal zones in lateral resolution. Participants will compare single and multiple focal zones, assess frame rate effects, and apply practical focus strategies for major 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 lesson revisits how sound waves move through tissues, the interplay of frequency and wavelength, and how attenuation alongside resolution compromises influence image outcomes. Learners will tie these physics ideas to routine scanning decisions.
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 ThemThis lesson reviews frequent ultrasound artefacts including reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, and anisotropy. Participants will master spotting, lessening, or purposefully employing artefacts to boost diagnostic reliability.
Reverberation and comet-tail artefactsAcoustic shadowing and its causesPosterior acoustic enhancement usesMirror image and refraction artefactsAnisotropy in tendons and nervesTechniques to reduce unwanted artefactsLesson 8Image Quality Check Procedures: Phantom/QA Basics and Quick Pre-Scan Checks on Live Patients (Preset Load, Probe Connection, Gel, Sweep)This lesson outlines standard image quality assessments with phantoms and swift pre-scan routines on patients. It includes QA fundamentals, preset verification, probe links, gel application, and sweep reviews prior to 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 Optimisation: PRF/Scale, Baseline, Wall Filter, Gain, Insonation Angle Effects, Sample Volume PlacementThis lesson concentrates on refining Doppler parameters like PRF or scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, angle, and sample volume. Learners will hone skills in minimising aliasing and noise whilst keeping spectral data precise.
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 lesson clarifies selecting and applying linear, curved, phased array, and endocavitary probes. It highlights footprint size, frequency spectrum, build essentials, and aligning each transducer to particular clinical needs.
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
