Ultrasound Preset Optimization

Preset Optimization

• Definition

  A preset is a saved collection of imaging parameters (probe, frequency, depth, focus, gain, filters, Doppler settings, layout) tuned for a specific exam or anatomy to deliver consistent, efficient, and ALARA-compliant images.

• Goals of Optimization
  • Maximize diagnostic image quality for the target anatomy.
  • Minimize scan time and operator variability.
  • Maintain patient safety (ALARA — minimize acoustic output/time).
• Core Parameters (what to set)
  • Probe / Frequency: Choose probe type and start frequency appropriate for depth vs. resolution.
  • Depth: Crop to just beyond the region of interest (keeps structures large and frame rate high).
  • Focus / Focal zones: Place 1–2 foci at or slightly below the structure of interest (fewer zones → higher frame rate).
  • Gain & TGC: Global gain for overall brightness; TGC to flatten near-to-far brightness.
  • Dynamic Range: Lower DR = higher contrast (useful for vascular/cardiac); higher DR = smoother gray scale (useful for abdomen/OB).
  • Persistence / Frame averaging: Lower for moving targets (heart, fetal motion); higher for static tissue.
  • Harmonics / Compound imaging: Use THI for better SNR in deep/obese patients; crossbeam to improve border definition.
  • Edge enhancement & speckle reduction: Moderate sharpening for lesion margins; avoid over-smoothing important detail.
  • Doppler (Color / PW): Set PRF/scale, wall filter, color gain just below noise; gate size and angle correction for spectral sampling.
• Quick Preset Examples

  Preset	Probe / Freq	Depth	Notes
  Abdomen	Curvilinear 2–5 MHz	12–20 cm	Harmonics ON, medium DR, persistence medium
  Thyroid	Linear 10–15 MHz	2–4 cm	High frequency, low depth, low persistence
  OB (2nd Trimester)	Curvilinear 3–5 MHz	10–14 cm	Harmonics ON, fetal focus, low Doppler PRF for FHR

• Workflow & Usability
  • Provide clear preset names (e.g., “ABD-Liver”, “OB-2T”, “VASC-Carotid”).
  • Preload frequently used measurement packages and report templates into each preset.
  • Limit the number of user-adjustable controls per preset—keep essential sliders accessible.
  • Consider quick-buttons to toggle THI, compound, or elastography modes from the preset screen.
• QA & Maintenance
  • Run monthly image checks with phantoms or reference patients to ensure consistency.
  • After software upgrades or new probes, re-validate and adjust presets.
  • Document changes (who changed what & why) and keep a versioned preset library.
• Tips for Difficult Cases
  • Obese patients: Lower frequency, increase output cautiously, use harmonics and compound imaging.
  • Superficial lesions: Use highest practical frequency, reduce depth, increase line density or resolution setting.
  • Moving targets (cardiac/fetal): Reduce persistence, minimize focal zones, favor frame rate.
• Final checklist before saving a preset
  1. Confirm correct probe & starting frequency.
  2. Set depth & focus to the ROI.
  3. Adjust gain & TGC for even brightness.
  4. Verify Doppler PRF/angle/wall filter where applicable.
  5. Run a quick scan on a representative patient or phantom and fine-tune.
  6. Save with a descriptive name and version note.
• Want a printable one-page reference?

  I can produce a compact HTML/PDF poster with the above quick presets and checklist formatted for printing—tell me if you want A4 portrait or A4 landscape.