PDF of ultrasound machine settings used to get best sonographic images

1. KNOBOLOGY PROJECT
Tyrone Callis
DMS 206

2. So, what is Knobology?
Knobology is simply defined as the
manipulation of ultrasound knobs and system
controls to obtain the best image possible from
diagnostic ultrasound

3. Description of Knobology Settings
• Depth, Freeze Frame, and Cine Loop
• Gain, TGC, & Power
• Frequency, Resolution, & Penetration
• Measurements
• Focal Zones
• Harmonics
• Magnification
• Gray Scale Mapping and B Color
• Doppler Controls

4. Time to pay your Depth
5 cm
10 cm
15 cm
Changing the Depth of an image is usually the first step
For image optimization. Per the images presented, the
Optimal depth for the best image is 10 cm using the
Routine-AB preset.

5. Freeze Frame and Cine l
Freeze frame provides the opportunity to capture a static image while
Cine loop allows the opportunity to scroll back through several captured
frames. This is beneficial when trying to catch the most optimal image
when a patient is being uncooperative.
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6. The Power Is Yours…
Low
Power
Adequate
Power
High
Power

7. Net Gain
Low Gain High Gain Adequate Gain

8. Can’t forget the TGC
Near
field
Far
field
Adequate
field

9. Frequency, Resolution and Penetration
L14-6WE
Linear Probe
C5-2E
Curvilinear Probe
Frequency Range:
6.0 - 14.0 MHz
Frequency Range:
2.0 - 5.0 MHz

10. Measure Twice, Cut Once

11. After adjusting the focal zone at mid and distal Aorta, it’s apparent that the focal
region of the beam is at a higher concentration. By doing so, the resolution of that
specific area of focus is increased and provides a clearer image in that region.
Subsequently, if the focal zone is placed in an area that’s not the area of interest, the
Area of focus will not be as clear.

12. Harmonics on, or off? That is the Question
With Harmonics turned OFF, the
resolution and image quality
appeared cloudy and distorted;
Artifacts are more apparent
With Harmonics turned ON, The
image quality was improved by
removing artifacts and alleviating
the cloudiness. The resolution of
the image is clearer as
demonstrated by a darker AO
lumen. In my experience, enabling
Harmonics helped improve image
quality overall.

13. Magnification
Zoom, Zoom
While actively surveying the
image of the distal Aorta in
zoom, the image was magnified
and made the area of focus
larger and more detailed.
Upon freezing the active image
and selecting the zoom
function, the results were
similar to the active
surveillance. However, the
image quality was poor and
blurry.

14. Iffy Shades of Gray
The images below display the Gray scale mapping levels 2, 7 and 10, respectively.
There is not much differentiation between them apart from the images appearing darker
As the scale level increases. It makes the lumen appear more anechoic.

15. Enable This, and Pass With Flying
The image here displays B Color
level 5 which is like a bronze or
copper color. There’s not much of
an impact on image enhancement
The image displayed
displays B Color level 8,
which is an orange color.
It does enhance the
ability to detect borders,
specifically the
circumference of the
Aorta
The image displayed is
Color B level 3 and
demonstrates a blueish,
grayish hue. It does help
enhance the contrast of the
image

16. The Doppler Effect
The experience with using the Doppler varies with the
intensity of the Doppler. Image A, demonstrates a low
lever Doppler and shows a few pixels of blue specs,
ineffective for blood flow determination. Image B,
adequate or acceptable Doppler displays an effective
amount of color to show blood flow. Finally, image C, is
where the Doppler is higher than usual and causes
artifacts to appear.
A B C