Quick Overview of Basic Information on Ultrasound Equipments

The core reason for ultrasound in clinical practice is its ability to independently perform two key tasks: precisely locating the interventional path (ultrasound guidance) and providing real-time diagnosis of lesions (ultrasound assessment). Compared with other imaging technologies, the advantages of ultrasound are that it has no radiation, dynamic visualization, and flexible operation, which significantly reduces procedural risks and improves efficiency. With the iterative development of high-frequency probes and intelligent navigation technology, modern ultrasonic machines have become efficient technical platforms for bedside, real-time diagnosis and treatment. This article provides an overview of some key information about them.

What is an Ultrasonic Machine?

An ultrasonic machine is a medical device that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images, commonly used for real-time observation of internal structures or to assist in precise treatments. It generates dynamic images by transmitting and receiving sound wave signals, enabling both the examination of organ/vessel morphology (such as the thyroid or heart) and the guidance of invasive procedures like punctures and anesthesia. Its core function is to convert invisible anatomical structures into visual information for diagnosis and treatment.

How Does an Hospital Ultrasound Machine Work?

1. The probe emits high-frequency sound waves into the body, vibrating tens of thousands of times per second.
2. When sound waves encounter different tissues, they reflect and form echoes with varying intensities; for example, muscle reflects less than bone.
3. ultrasound Images: The computer converts the echo intensity into a grayscale image, with softer tissues appearing as dark gray and denser tissues as light gray.
4. It generates over 30 frames of dynamic images per second, supporting real-time observation of organ movements or the process of puncture procedures.

What Can Ultrasound Detect?

Examinable Areas:

Reproductive organs, muscles, joints and tendons, bladder, thyroid, gallbladder, spleen, heart and vessels, pancreas

In addition to monitoring fetal development and diagnosing issues during pregnancy, ultrasound can also be used to detect the following conditions:

• Infections:Detect purulent inflammation (such as liver abscesses), ascites, or enlarged lymph nodes
• Cardiovascular issues: Assess the degree of arterial stenosis, varicose veins, or congenital heart defects
• Tumors and cysts:Differentiate between breast fibroadenoma and breast cancer, and observe the nature of ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids:Dynamically monitor the impact of submucosal fibroids on the shape of the uterine cavity
• Thyroid disorders:Monitor Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or the blood flow characteristics of nodules
• Others: Guide biopsy puncture localization, or detect traumatic hematomas or retained foreign bodies

Components of Ultrasonic Machine

Sensor Probe

A handheld device that integrates both sound wave emission and reception functions. It transmits sound waves by pressing against the skin; the type and frequency are selected according to the examination area, and a coupling agent is used to eliminate the air gap between the skin and the probe.

Clinical Applications and Types of Ultrasound Probes:

• Curvilinear probe (3.5-5MHz): For abdominal, pelvic, and obstetric examinations (such as fetal screening)
• Linear probe (7-15MHz): For imaging superficial organs (thyroid, breast, vessels)
• Phased array probe (1-5MHz): For cardiac ultrasound (observing cardiac chamber dynamics through sector scanning)
• Transvaginal intracavity probe: used for the diagnosis of gynecological diseases, assisted reproduction, early pregnancy evaluation, and interventional procedures.
• 4D Dynamic Volumetric probe: Displays continuous dynamic stereoscopic images in real time, used for monitoring fetal limb movements or visualizing the opening and closing of heart valves

Display

Equipped with built-in imaging algorithms (such as harmonic imaging) that generate real-time two-dimensional grayscale or color Doppler images.

Control Knob

Supports image magnification/rotation and contrast adjustment to facilitate the identification of small lesions (such as early cysts).

Sonography Keyboard

Used to input the patient’s basic information and bind it with the images, ensuring that storage in the PACS system complies with DICOM standards. It is pre-set with functions like “Measurement” and “Annotation” to quickly mark lesion sizes or add diagnostic labels.

Printer

Thermal or laser printers output text and image reports, including key images and measurement values, for clinical consultations or medical record archiving. It also has a humanistic aspect: providing commemorative photos of fetal facial images from 4D ultrasound, with some hospitals offering custom albums as keepsakes during pregnancy.

Different Types of Ultrasound Machines

Classification by Style

• Portable UltrasoundMachine: Lightweight and easy to carry, battery-powered, suitable for emergency, field, or intraoperative monitoring, often used for rapid trauma assessment or emergency examinations.
• LaptopUltrasound Machine: An integrated design similar in size to a laptop with convenient touch screen operation; suitable for thyroid screening in community clinics, educational demonstrations, or routine examinations in nursing homes.
• Mobile UltrasoundMachine: Mounted on an ultrasound cart, a large device with comprehensive functions, compatible with multiple probes, supporting 3D imaging and in-depth analysis, used for thorough in-hospital examinations such as cardiac or fetal screening.
• Handheld UltrasoundMachine: Compact like a mobile phone and operable with one hand, commonly used in primary care, suitable for quick diagnosis in grassroots medical settings or sports injuries.
• Wireless UltrasoundMachine: The probe connects wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet, offering flexibility without constraints, suitable for dynamic monitoring or rescue scenes, relying on stable device signals.

Classification by Imaging Mode

• Grayscale Ultrasound (B-mode): Displays the grayscale structure of tissues, used to observe organ morphology, such as examining cysts or early gestational sacs.
• Color Doppler Ultrasound: Displays blood flow direction and velocity, used for cardiovascular assessments or tumor vascular supply analysis, assisting in the evaluation of vascular abnormalities.

The choice of equipment must balance the clinical setting and accuracy: emergencies emphasize portability, while specialized departments rely on cart-based high-resolution imaging; B-mode ultrasound meets basic needs, while complex lesions require color ultrasound to supplement blood flow information. Wireless and handheld devices are driving ultrasound technology into community and home settings.

Are There Risks with Ultrasound Examinations?

Ultrasound is a clinically recognized safe imaging method, free of radiation and suitable for pregnant women and children, with long-term practice showing no direct harm. However, risk control requires attention to the following points:

The prerequisite for safety is “standardized operation”

Highly technique-dependent: Imaging quality is closely related to the operator’s skill (for instance, interference from intestinal gas may lead to misinterpretation, and excessive pressure from the probe may cause discomfort).

Special scenarios require caution: During early pregnancy, reduce examination time and lower power; in neonatal examinations, avoid the open fontanelle; when using ultrasound contrast agents, check for allergy history in advance (with an allergy probability of about 0.01%).

Do Not Abuse Ultrasound for Non-Medical Purposes

Some institutions use ultrasound to take “fetal portraits.” Although there is no clear evidence of harm from prolonged and repeated exposure, international recommendations suggest following medical advice to control the frequency of examinations and avoid unnecessary exposure.

Key Point: Undergoing examinations at reputable hospitals as needed = safe and reliable; self-operation or non-standard procedures = potential uncertain risks.