Assessment of ultrasound image quality in a reference phantom using gel and liquid standoff pads Journal Article


Authors: Paverd, C.; Martin, A.; Rominger, M.; Ruby, L.
Article Title: Assessment of ultrasound image quality in a reference phantom using gel and liquid standoff pads
Abstract: Background: and Methods: This paper presents a review of image quality in ultrasound imaging when using gel and liquid standoff pads, compared to imaging without a standoff pad. Imaging metrics assessed are lateral resolution, nearfield target intensity, and contrast to noise ratio of echogenicity targets. Measurements were made with a Canon Aplio i800 ultrasound system on a standardized ultrasound phantom (Computerized Imaging Reference Systems, Inc.), and custom-made agarose phantoms. Two cases are examined: when the ultrasound images are taken with the probe at different heights above the phantom (the normal clinical use-case for standoff pads); and when the ultrasound probe is artificially always placed at the same height above the phantom (allowing for direct image comparison). Results and conclusion: The main differences in the standard clinical use-case were observed in nearfield image intensity, with a mean difference of 22.4 ± 11.1 % between highest and lowest positions. Investigation of probes at the same height above the phantom shows that differences appear to be due primarily due to the height of the probe above the phantom, rather than the pads themselves. Elevational beamwidth was found to be a minimum of 2.2 mm at 25 mm axial depth, and adding a standoff pad can change vessel and cyst visualization due to the elevational beamwidth. This is a useful result to be aware of for clinicians using standoff pads on modern ultrasound systems. © 2024 The Authors
Journal Title: WFUMB Ultrasound Open
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
ISSN: 2949-6683
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2024-12-01
Start Page: 100051
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.wfumbo.2024.100051
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. Lisa Ruby
    7 Ruby