Due to the absorption of ultrasound, heating of tissue (including bone) can occur. For this reason, the sonographer should follow the ALARA principle to minimize the potential for ultrasonic heating of tissue during for example M-mode ultrasound. The thermal effect of Doppler ultrasound flow examinations is significantly greater.

See also Thermal Index and Ultrasonic Power.

Common ultrasound supplies that are often used in conjunction with ultrasound imaging:
Common ultrasound accessories that are often used in conjunction with ultrasound imaging:
Consult with ultrasound equipment vendors or professionals in the field to determine the specific accessories and supplies that best suit your imaging needs and specialty. See also Equipment Preparation, Environmental Protection, Portable Ultrasound Machine, Ultrasound Technology, Ultrasound System Performance and Sonographer.

Ultrasound elastography is a specialized imaging technique that provides information about tissue elasticity or stiffness. It is used to assess the mechanical properties of tissues, helping to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue conditions.
The basic principle behind ultrasound elastography involves the application of mechanical stress to the tissue and measuring its resulting deformation. This is typically achieved by using either external compression or shear waves generated by the ultrasound transducer.
There are two main types of ultrasound elastography:
Both strain elastography and shear wave elastography offer valuable insights into tissue characteristics and can assist in the diagnosis and characterization of various conditions. In clinical practice, ultrasound elastography is particularly useful for evaluating liver fibrosis, breast lesions, thyroid nodules, prostate abnormalities, and musculoskeletal conditions. By providing additional information about tissue stiffness, ultrasound elastography enhances the diagnostic capabilities of traditional ultrasound imaging. It allows for non-invasive assessment, improves the accuracy of tissue characterization, and aids in treatment planning and monitoring of various medical conditions.
See also Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies, Sonographer and Ultrasound Technology.

Ultrasound imaging is excellent for diagnosing cysts and other fluids in soft tissue. For ultrasound imaging or ultrasonography, different modes are used to examine the arterial/venous system, heart, pancreas, urinary system, ovaries, spinal cord, joints and more.
Power levels, frequencies used, amplification, and beamforming determine the clarity of the image. These things are controlled by the sonographer, interacting with the properties of the ultrasound machine.

Various imaging modes:

Ultrasound technology with its advancements is vital for delivering high-quality patient care. Innovations including high-frequency ultrasound, 3D//4D imaging, contrast enhanced ultrasound, elastography, and point-of-care ultrasound, have expanded the capabilities of ultrasound imaging and improved diagnostic accuracy.
B-Mode imaging, also known as brightness mode, is the fundamental technique in ultrasound imaging. It produces two-dimensional images based on the echoes received from tissues and organs. Understanding the principles of B-Mode imaging, such as gain adjustment, depth control, and image optimization, is crucial for obtaining diagnostically valuable images. M-Mode imaging, on the other hand, allows for the visualization of motion over time, enabling assessment of cardiac structures and function, as well as fetal heart rate.
High-frequency ultrasound refers to the use of ultrasound waves with frequencies greater than 10 MHz. This technology enables improved resolution, allowing for detailed imaging of superficial structures like skin, tendons, and small organs. High-frequency ultrasound has found applications in dermatology, ophthalmology, and musculoskeletal imaging.
Traditional 2D ultrasound has been augmented by the advent of 3D ultrasound technology. By acquiring multiple 2D images from different angles, this technique construct a volumetric representation of the imaged area. The addition of 4D ultrasound in real-time motion adds further value by capturing dynamic processes.
Doppler imaging employs the Doppler effect to evaluate blood flow within vessels and assess hemodynamics. Color Doppler assigns color to different blood flow velocities, providing a visual representation of blood flow direction and speed. Spectral Doppler displays blood flow velocities as a waveform, allowing for detailed analysis of flow patterns, resistance, and stenosis.
Contrast enhanced ultrasound employs microbubble contrast agents to enhance the visualization of blood flow and tissue perfusion. By injecting these agents intravenously, sonographers can differentiate between vascular structures and lesions. Elastography is a technique that measures tissue elasticity or stiffness. It assists in differentiating between normal and abnormal tissues, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions such as liver fibrosis, breast lesions, and thyroid nodules.
Fusion imaging combines ultrasound with other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET). By overlaying or merging ultrasound images with those obtained from other modalities, the user can precisely locate and characterize abnormalities, guide interventions, and improve diagnostic accuracy. Fusion imaging has proven particularly useful in areas such as interventional radiology, oncology, and urology.
See also Equipment Preparation, Environmental Protection, Handheld Ultrasound, Portable Ultrasound and Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies.