ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Practice Test

What is the main purpose of employing controlled imaging techniques like harmonics?

1. To reduce patient anxiety

2. To improve image quality and resolution

3. To increase imaging speed

4. To obtain color images

The correct answer is: To improve image quality and resolution

The main purpose of employing controlled imaging techniques like harmonics is to improve image quality and resolution. Harmonics work by utilizing second-order frequencies generated by the ultrasound waves as they interact with tissue. This technique helps to minimize artifacts and enhance the clarity of the images produced. By focusing on harmonic frequencies, sonographers can achieve better contrast resolution and reduce noise, allowing for clearer visualization of anatomical structures. The other options, while they may have their own importance in sonography, do not specifically pertain to the fundamental goals of harmonics in imaging. For instance, reducing patient anxiety is important but relates more to patient care aspects. Likewise, while increasing imaging speed can be beneficial in certain contexts, it is not the primary purpose of harmonic imaging. Similarly, obtaining color images pertains to color Doppler imaging rather than the harmonic techniques themselves.