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 fundamental haemodynamic principles, aliasing issues, and suitable applications of each Doppler mode in standard vascular and cardiac evaluations.
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 examines tissue harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, and speckle reduction filters. Learners learn when to activate each feature, identify resulting image improvements, and prevent artefacts from excessive processing.
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 explains key machine controls like presets, depth, overall gain, TGC, dynamic range, and focal zones. Learners practise efficient knob adjustments to quickly achieve clear, diagnostic B-mode images in 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 section discusses selecting suitable transmit frequencies for different body areas. Learners 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 section covers beamforming principles and the role of focal zones in lateral resolution. Learners compare single and multiple focal zones, assess frame rate effects, and apply practical focus settings 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 section revisits sound wave travel in tissues, relationships between frequency and wavelength, and impacts of attenuation on resolution. Learners relate these physics ideas to routine scanning decisions for better outcomes.
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 section reviews typical ultrasound artefacts including reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, mirror image, and anisotropy. Learners practise identifying, minimising, or utilising these artefacts to boost diagnostic 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)This section describes standard image quality checks with phantoms and fast pre-scan routines on patients. It includes QA fundamentals, preset verification, probe checks, gel application, and sweep tests prior to 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 section concentrates on fine-tuning Doppler parameters like PRF or scale, baseline, wall filter, gain, angle, and sample volume. Learners work on minimising aliasing and noise to retain precise spectral data.
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 guides on choosing and handling linear, curved, phased array, and endocavitary probes. It highlights footprint size, frequency options, basic construction, and matching transducers 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
