What range best describes frequencies used in diagnostic ultrasound?

What range best describes frequencies used in diagnostic ultrasound?

• A. 0.5 to 1 kHz
• B. 1 to 2 kHz
• C. 2 to 5 MHz
• D. 2 to 10 MHz

Answer: (D)

Diagnostic ultrasound relies on frequencies in the megahertz range to balance image detail with tissue penetration. The commonly used operating window is about 2 to 10 MHz, which covers deep imaging with lower frequencies and finer detail with higher frequencies for superficial structures. Kilohertz-range frequencies would produce wavelengths too long to resolve small structures, resulting in poor image quality and are not used for standard diagnostic imaging. Higher frequencies beyond 10 MHz exist for very superficial imaging, but the typical, widely applicable range described is 2 to 10 MHz.

Diagnostic ultrasound relies on frequencies in the megahertz range to balance image detail with tissue penetration. The commonly used operating window is about 2 to 10 MHz, which covers deep imaging with lower frequencies and finer detail with higher frequencies for superficial structures. Kilohertz-range frequencies would produce wavelengths too long to resolve small structures, resulting in poor image quality and are not used for standard diagnostic imaging. Higher frequencies beyond 10 MHz exist for very superficial imaging, but the typical, widely applicable range described is 2 to 10 MHz.