Which control would you adjust to increase the intensity of the transmitted pulse?

Which control would you adjust to increase the intensity of the transmitted pulse?

• A. Depth of scanning
• B. Time gain compensation
• C. Output power
• D. Receiver gain

Answer: (C)

Controlling the energy sent into the body determines the intensity of the transmitted pulse. The transmitter’s output power sets how much acoustic energy the transducer emits each time it sends a pulse. Increasing this output power directly raises the pulse’s energy, leading to stronger echoes and a brighter image from the transmitted pulse itself. Depth-related settings and post-reception adjustments don’t change the emitted energy. Depth of scanning shifts where the system looks and how deep echoes travel, but not how much energy is sent. Time gain compensation modifies how signals are weighted with depth after they’re received, and receiver gain amplifies the echoed signals on the display without altering the actual transmitted pulse. Keep in mind that higher output power increases patient exposure, so it should be used judiciously to balance image quality with safety.

Controlling the energy sent into the body determines the intensity of the transmitted pulse. The transmitter’s output power sets how much acoustic energy the transducer emits each time it sends a pulse. Increasing this output power directly raises the pulse’s energy, leading to stronger echoes and a brighter image from the transmitted pulse itself. Depth-related settings and post-reception adjustments don’t change the emitted energy. Depth of scanning shifts where the system looks and how deep echoes travel, but not how much energy is sent. Time gain compensation modifies how signals are weighted with depth after they’re received, and receiver gain amplifies the echoed signals on the display without altering the actual transmitted pulse. Keep in mind that higher output power increases patient exposure, so it should be used judiciously to balance image quality with safety.