ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Practice Test

What is the effect of using a higher frequency transducer?

1. It provides lower resolution and improved penetration

2. It provides improved resolution but decreased penetration

3. It results in less patient discomfort

4. It increases the beam width

The correct answer is: It provides improved resolution but decreased penetration

Using a higher frequency transducer leads to improved resolution but decreased penetration due to the properties of ultrasound waves. Higher frequency ultrasound waves have shorter wavelengths, which allows them to provide enhanced detail and sharper images of the structures being examined. This is particularly beneficial in applications where fine anatomical details are critical, such as in vascular imaging or evaluating small structures. However, the downside to using higher frequency waves is that they are absorbed more quickly by the tissues they pass through. This results in a significant decrease in their ability to penetrate deeper tissues, making higher frequency transducers less effective for imaging deeper structures compared to lower frequency transducers, which can penetrate further but at the cost of resolution. Thus, in ultrasound imaging, the frequency of the transducer must be carefully chosen based on the specific clinical need, balancing resolution and penetration depth for the best diagnostic results.