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Ultrasound Bioeffects and Safety Flashcards

7 cards from real ARDMS SPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which clinical scenario represents the LOWEST bioeffect risk from diagnostic ultrasound?

    Answer: Color Doppler evaluation of a renal transplant in an adult

    Adult renal transplant evaluation has no embryonic sensitivity concern and involves tissue with normal repair capacity, making it the lowest-risk scenario listed.

  2. Microstreaming as a non-thermal ultrasound bioeffect is best described as:

    Answer: Localized, high-velocity fluid currents generated near an oscillating bubble interface

    Microstreaming is the high-shear localized fluid motion that occurs immediately around a cavitating or oscillating bubble, capable of disrupting cell membranes.

  3. According to the AIUM, which statement about ultrasound use for 'entertainment' or 'keepsake' imaging is most appropriate?

    Answer: It should be discouraged because it exposes the fetus without medical benefit

    The AIUM and FDA discourage keepsake imaging because exposing the developing fetus without a medical indication violates the ALARA principle and provides no clinical benefit.

  4. The peak rarefactional pressure of an ultrasound pulse is most relevant to which type of bioeffect?

    Answer: Mechanical cavitation

    Peak rarefactional (negative) pressure determines whether dissolved gas can expand explosively to form cavitation bubbles, making it the key parameter for mechanical bioeffects.

  5. A research study reports a 'free-field' ISPTA value versus a 'derated' ISPTA.3 value. Which statement is correct?

    Answer: Derated values are lower because they account for tissue attenuation between the transducer and target

    Derated (ISPTA.3) values are calculated by applying 0.3 dB/cm/MHz attenuation to free-field water measurements, producing a lower, more clinically realistic intensity estimate.

  6. Which structure absorbs the most ultrasound energy per unit length and therefore poses the greatest risk of localized heating?

    Answer: Cortical bone

    Cortical bone has a very high attenuation coefficient (absorption >> soft tissue), causing disproportionate energy absorption and localized heating at the bone surface.

  7. What is the primary reason pulsed Doppler is considered higher risk than B-mode for thermal bioeffects?

    Answer: Pulsed Doppler has a higher duty factor and keeps the beam stationary at the sample volume

    Pulsed Doppler's high duty factor combined with a fixed, stationary sample volume concentrates time-averaged acoustic energy in a small region, substantially increasing local heating risk.