Safety Biological Safety
40 Lumify Ultrasound System
Philips Healthcare 4535 618 58571_A/795 * MAY 2016
Receiver Controls
Receiver controls are used by the operator to improve image quality. These controls have no
effect on output. Receiver controls only affect how the ultrasound echo is received. These
controls include gain, time gain compensation (TGC), dynamic range, and image processing. The
important thing to remember, relative to output, is that receiver controls should be optimized
before output is increased. For example, before increasing output, optimize gain to improve
image quality.
An Example of Applying the ALARA Principle
An ultrasound scan of a patient’s liver begins with selecting the appropriate transducer
frequency. After selecting the transducer and the application, which are based on patient
anatomy, adjustments to output power should be made to ensure that the lowest possible
setting is used to acquire an image. After the image is acquired, adjusting the focus of the
transducer, and then increasing the receiver gain to produce a uniform representation of the
tissue follows. If an adequate image can be obtained with the increase in gain, then a decrease
in output should be made. Only after making these adjustments should you increase output to
the next level.
Having acquired the 2D display of the liver, Color can be used to localize blood flow. As with the
2D image display, gain and image processing controls must be optimized before increasing
output.
In summary: Select the correct transducer frequency and application for the job; start with a
low output level; and optimize the image by using focus, receiver gain, and other imaging
controls. If the image is not diagnostically useful at this point, then increase output.
Additional Considerations
Ensure that scanning time is kept to a minimum, and ensure that only medically required
scanning is performed. Never compromise quality by rushing through an exam. A poor exam
may require a follow‑up, which ultimately increases exposure time. Diagnostic ultrasound is an
important tool in medicine, and like any tool, it should be used efficiently and effectively.
To Next Page
Loading...