Transducer Selection

On a higher specification ultrasound machine, once patient details are entered, an on-screen menu may appear giving options of transducer and application. Up to four transducers may be plugged in at any one time (arrow) and the operator will need to select the correct transducer from the menu to match the area to be examined.

Always use the highest transducer frequency that allows adequate penetration to the depth of interest.

Some manufacturers offer high resolution or penetration settings for each transducer. This allows the operator to optimise the transmit frequency for slender or obese patients without changing transducers.

The image above shows a high specification machine with the facility to plug in up to four transducers (arrowed)