ITGSS Certified Technical Associate: Emerging Tech Practice Test

What type of imaging results in fewer side lobes and contrast artifacts?

1. Standard imaging

2. Harmonic imaging

3. Color Doppler imaging

4. 3D imaging

The correct answer is: Harmonic imaging

Harmonic imaging is the correct answer because it utilizes the non-linear propagation of ultrasound waves. This technique is particularly effective in reducing side lobes and contrast artifacts. In harmonic imaging, the ultrasound system transmits at a fundamental frequency and then receives at a frequency that is twice that of the transmitted wave, often referred to as the harmonic frequency. This method takes advantage of the fact that tissue and fluids tend to generate a response at higher frequencies. As a result, the imaging primarily reflects the fundamental characteristics of the tissues of interest, which helps to diminish the side lobes that are generated during the imaging process. The presence of side lobes can lead to unwanted echoes being displayed on the image, creating interference and reducing image quality. Harmonic imaging inherently minimizes these effects, allowing for clearer and more distinct images. Furthermore, because harmonic imaging emphasizes the harmonic signals that have a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), it further reduces contrast artifacts that can obscure diagnostic details. This leads to improved image clarity, facilitating better diagnosis and assessment by healthcare providers. In contrast, other imaging techniques such as standard imaging may not effectively mitigate these artifacts, and techniques like color Doppler or 3D imaging can serve specific purposes but don’t specifically