Question

A sonographer has access to 10 MHz linear sequential, 7 MHz linear sequential, and 4.5 MHz curved array transducers. If the 10 MHz transducer produces aliasing during a carotid duplex study, what can be done to alleviate this issue if a shallower window did NOT correct the problem?

1) Switch to the 4.5 MHz curved array transducer.
2) Neither of the two remaining transducers will resolve this issue.
3) Switch to the 7 MHz linear sequential transducer.
4) None of these transducers should be used for carotid duplex exams.

Answer 1

To correct the aliasing issue in a carotid duplex study when a 10 MHz transducer is used, one should switch to a 7 MHz transducer to obtain better penetration while maintaining adequate image detail.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the 10 MHz transducer produces aliasing during a carotid duplex study and a shallower window did not correct the problem, the sonographer should switch to the 7 MHz linear sequential transducer.

This adjustment can help alleviate the issue of aliasing because a lower frequency transducer has a longer wavelength, which translates into better penetration but slightly less detail in the image.

Given that higher frequencies provide greater detail but do not penetrate as well, switching from a 10 MHz to a 7 MHz transducer strikes a balance between penetration depth and resolution, making option 3 the correct answer.