General Understanding On How An Ultrasound Machine Works

Posted by EastMed Radiology on May 12th, 2017

Ultrasound imaging is known for being a non-invasive diagnostic process that makes use of high-frequency sound waves to generate images of your internal organ systems. Ultrasound can be used for different regions of human body, so you can have ultrasound for your shoulder, elbow, and other joints, abdomen, pelvis, thyroid gland, vascular system and pregnancy. Modern radiology practices, such as EastMed Radiology in Auckland, offer a wide range of ultrasound examinations.

Technically, the term ‘ultrasound, is related with frequency that is beyond range of human ears. For this purpose, the technicians make use of piezoelectric crystals that create a charge upon being subjected to mechanical stress. The alteration of mechanical energy into electrical energy is known as piezoelectric effect. Some of the most commonly used materials for this purpose include lead niobate, Quartz, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, and so forth. When an ultrasound takes place, pulses of ultrasound waves are produced with piezoelectric crystals that are present in a hand-held device called transducer. Whenever these piezoelectric crystals are subjected to electric current mechanical stress is produced. This process is known as reverse piezoelectric effect. This reverse process leads to generation of ultrasound waves.

Application of electric current over these crystals leads to swift alteration in shape of these crystals. This allows the crystals to produce sound waves that travel on the outer end. Whenever such sound or ultrasound waves come back and hit the crystals in transducer an electric current is produced. The frequency used for this purpose varies between 2-18 MHz.
There is an indirect relationship between frequency and wavelength of ultrasound waves. The higher frequency waves have shorter wavelength while the lower frequency ones are lengthier.  The higher frequency waves are known for production of high resolution images. Though the waves with lower frequencies are capable of penetrating deeper into tissues, however, the images received from these are of much lower resolution and not so sharp.
A normal ultrasound machine has two main parts, a CPU and a transducer. The transducer is an integral part of ultrasound and is known for converting energy from one form to another. It mainly acts like a transmitter and a receiver.
For professional and friendly diagnostic services (Ultrasound and X-ray)  please visit EastMed Radiology in Auckland at 188 St Heliers Bay Rd.
You can book your appointment online on our website  eastmedradiology@yahoo.co.nz or call us on 09 585 0534.