21 terms, A to Z
Ultrasound Machine Glossary
21 terms you will meet in ultrasound machine quotations, brochures and spec sheets — defined in plain English.
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A–Z of terms
- 3D / 4D
- Volume imaging (4D = live 3D), mainly used in obstetrics. Full guide
- ALARA
- As low as reasonably achievable — the principle of scanning only as long and as intensely as needed. Full guide
- B-mode
- The standard 2D grey-scale ultrasound image. Full guide
- Colour Doppler
- Shows the direction and speed of blood flow as colour over the image. Full guide
- Convex probe
- Curved low-frequency probe for abdomen and obstetrics. Full guide
- DICOM
- The standard format for storing and sending medical images. Full guide
- Elastography
- Measures tissue stiffness, used for liver, breast and thyroid on higher-end systems. Full guide
- Endocavity probe
- Long narrow probe for transvaginal or transrectal scanning. Full guide
- FAST
- Focused assessment with sonography in trauma — checks for free fluid. Full guide
- High-level disinfection
- The reprocessing standard for probes that touch mucous membranes, such as endocavity probes. Full guide
- Linear probe
- Flat high-frequency probe for vessels, small parts, MSK and procedures. Full guide
- M-mode
- A motion trace along one line over time, used mainly in cardiac imaging. Full guide
- Mechanical index (MI)
- On-screen estimate of non-thermal (cavitation) effects. Full guide
- PACS
- Picture archiving and communication system — where DICOM images are stored and viewed. Full guide
- Phased array probe
- Small-footprint low-frequency probe for imaging the heart between the ribs. Full guide
- POCUS
- Point-of-care ultrasound — focused bedside scans by the treating clinician. Full guide
- Preset
- Saved machine settings for a particular exam, such as abdomen or thyroid. Full guide
- Probe cover
- A sterile or clean sheath used over endocavity probes and for procedures. Full guide
- PW / CW Doppler
- Pulsed-wave and continuous-wave spectral Doppler for measuring flow velocities; CW is needed for high cardiac velocities. Full guide
- Thermal index (TI)
- On-screen estimate of tissue heating; watch it especially with Doppler in pregnancy. Full guide
- Transducer (probe)
- The handheld part that sends sound into the body and receives the echoes. Full guide
Start with these guides
Ultrasound Machine: How to Choose by SpecialtyEvery specialty needs a different mix of probes, Doppler modes and software. Here is what each one should look for.Portable Ultrasound Machine: Handheld and Wireless OptionsPortable ultrasound brings imaging to the bedside, the ward round and the home visit. Here is how to choose one that is genuinely good enough.Ultrasound Machine Price in Malaysia: What Drives the CostWe do not publish a price list, because the right figure depends on the platform and probes you need. Here is what moves the price and how to compare quotes.
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