ARDMS SPI Quality Assurance and Phantoms 4

Question 1

What AIUM-recommended QA frequency is typically suggested for clinical ultrasound equipment used daily?

Accepted Answer

Weekly or monthly performance testing with documented records

Answer

The AIUM recommends regular (weekly to monthly) QA testing with documented records to detect and trend performance changes before they affect clinical outcomes.

Question 2

In ultrasound QA, what is the significance of measuring the -6 dB beam width at the focal zone?

Accepted Answer

It quantifies lateral resolution at the focal depth

Answer

The -6 dB beam width at the focal zone corresponds to the minimum lateral separation at which two point targets can be resolved, directly defining lateral resolution.

Question 3

A sonographer compares current QA phantom images to baseline and notes reduced image brightness at depth despite unchanged gain settings. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Transducer sensitivity has decreased due to element degradation

Answer

Decreased transducer sensitivity from element aging or damage reduces the amplitude of returning echoes, manifesting as reduced brightness at depth.

Question 4

Which of the following phantom measurements is most useful for evaluating the effectiveness of harmonic imaging compared to fundamental imaging?

Accepted Answer

Contrast-detail analysis comparing anechoic cyst visibility

Answer

Comparing anechoic cyst detectability between fundamental and harmonic modes reveals harmonic imaging's improvement in contrast resolution by reducing reverberation and clutter.

Question 5

During QA of a color Doppler system using a flow phantom, the color signal disappears below a certain depth. What does this finding most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Doppler sensitivity has degraded at depth, possibly due to element dropout

Answer

Loss of color Doppler signal at depth despite adequate flow in the phantom suggests reduced sensitivity, often from failing transducer elements that cannot detect low-amplitude Doppler shifts at distance.

ARDMS SPI - ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Practice Test

ARDMS SPI - ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Practice Test

ARDMS SPI Quality Assurance and Phantoms 4