SDMS Credits:17.0
Success Story
"I cannot tell you how relieved I am to finally put [the SPI] behind me. This time I only used the Gulfcoast [ULTRA P.A.S.S. Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation Workbook], and I do think it really helped.... I had taken the Cardiac Physics exam four times and always just barely missed the passing score.
"I would get so hung up on all the physics that I would usually neglect the cardiac questions/material, but I also didn't really understand the physics principles all that well either. I had passed the adult echo five years ago and have really just struggled with the physics part.
"I used a different study guide each time I studied for it. I had taken a carotid refresher course at your facility several years ago, so I remembered that you all had registry review materials. So I ordered the most recent physics review guide and said I was ONLY going to use it to study by...and I did.
"The ARDMS kind of asked the same thing over several times but just in a little different way. I remember that there were a lot of questions about how to improve axial resolution, which thankfully I finally understood and how to make it better, etc.
"I really have a much better understanding of the concepts now. Mr. Corky Hecht was always very helpful to reply to my emails and phone calls when I didn't understand something so I really appreciate that.
"Just wanted to thank you again for answering all my questions and prompt emails!!"
Amy Warren, RDCS |
New! Prepare for your Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) or General Ultrasond Physics boards with Gulfcoast's ULTRA "Preparation Agenda for Study Success" tools!
Similar to a review book on audio, the ULTRA P.A.S.S. workbook provides a comprehensive written and narrated format of the topics listed on the ARDMS registry outlines. This workbook is designed so you can easily find a specific subject of study at any time. This spiral-bound workbook includes 178 pages, self-tests after each section and 5 digital audio CDs that can be played on current portable and car CD players or computer CD drives (system requirements: Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0 or later, 2000, or XP, 16MB RAM) and a new companion DVD that features real-time exams illustrating various pathologies referenced in the workbook (DVD is compatible with set-top DVD players, DVD-Rom drives, DVD-R drives, and DVD+R drives).
A CME Quiz ($50.00 processing fee) can be submitted to Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute for 17.0 “AMA Cat.1” CME credits (also meets requirements for ARDMS), if needed.
Upon completion of these modules, you should be able to accomplish the following:
SECTION 1: ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES
• Discuss sound and terms associated with the production of sound waves
• Explain the relationships between frequency, wavelength, and propagation speed.
• State the properties of ultrasound waves and their effects upon each other.
• Describe physical units as they apply to diagnostic ultrasound
• Describe measurement dimensions and how they relate to diagnostic ultrasound
SECTION 2: PROPAGATION OF ULTRASOUND THROUGH TISSUES
• Describe the interaction of sound with tissue
• Explain the attenuation of sound and sources associated with attenuation
• State useful diagnostic frequency ranges
• Discuss and explain terminology associated with image characteristics
SECTION 3: ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS
• Describe the piezoelectric effect
• Identify the various types of transducers
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of transducers
• Explain the formation of the sound beam
• Describe resolution and discuss the various parameters that affect resolution.
• Discuss the care and maintenance of transducers and the importance of maintaining them.
• Explain the different methods of focusing
SECTION 4: PULSE ECHO INSTRUMENTS
• Discuss the general concepts of the range equation
• Explain pulsing characteristics including pulse repetition frequency, pulse repetition period, pulse duration, spatial pulse length, and duty factor
• Discuss the various stages and components of pulse echo instruments
• Describe dynamic range
SECTION 5: PRINCIPLES of PULSE ECHO IMAGING
• Explain the difference between A-mode, M-mode, and B-mode.
• Recognize the advantages of the various imaging modes
• Discuss scan speed limitations
• Perform range equation calculations and explain its relationship to pulsing characteristics
• Describe temporal resolution
SECTION 6: IMAGES, STORAGE, and DISPLAY
• Discuss the role of the scan converter
• Explain the various steps in the scan version process
• Differentiate the types of scan converters (digital versus analog)
• Identify the various types of display devices
• Explain the differences between pre and post-processing
• State the various processes associated with pre and post-processing.
• Explain persistence, frame averaging, and other functions associated with pre and post-processing
• Discuss the various types of recording and archiving devices and techniques
SECTION 7: HEMODYNAMICS, DOPPLER, COLOR FLOW, and COLOR POWER IMAGING
• Describe hemodynamics
• Discuss the effects of viscosity, friction, and inertia associated with hemodynamic flow
• Differentiate steady verses pulsatile flow
• Explain the difference between laminar verses turbulent flow
• Describe the effects of stenosis on the characteristics of blood flow
• Explain venous flow, hydrostatic pressure and the pressure/volume relationship
• State the effects of respiration on venous flow
• Apply Doppler principles and the factors that affect flow
• Describe the differences between continuous wave and pulsed wave Doppler
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of Doppler
• Discuss color flow imaging and the advantages and limitations
• Describe and discuss the instrumentation used to produce color flow imaging
• Discuss color power Doppler and explain its advantages and limitations
SECTION 8: ARTIFACTS
• State the definition of an artifact
• Discuss the various types of artifacts
• Explain the mechanisms behind the production of the various artifacts
• Describe the characteristics of the various artifacts
• Discuss the effects of artifacts on measurements
SECTION 9: QUALITY ASSURANCE of ULTRASOUND INSTRUMENTS
• Explain the need for a quality assurance program
• Discuss the various methods used to evaluate the performance of ultrasound instruments
• Describe the differences between test objects and tissue phantoms
• Explain the parameters that are evaluated with tissue phantoms
• Discuss the parameters that are evaluated with test objects
• Describe the materials used in the various phantoms and test objects to obtain measurements
• Explain the need for preventative maintenance and record keeping
• Describe statistical indices and state their importance
SECTION 10: BIOEFFECTS and SAFETY
• Explain the various acoustic output quantities
• Discuss the methods used to determine power
• Describe the various intensities associated with diagnostic ultrasound
• Explain relationship of intensity and power to various operating modes
• Discuss the acoustic output labeling standard associated with thermal and mechanical index
• Describe the ALARA principle and its implementation
• Apply the methods needed to reduce acoustic exposure
• Discuss the production of biologic effects
• Differentiate cavitation and thermal mechanisms
• Explain the use of various experimental studies regarding biological effects
• Discuss the guidelines and regulations set forth by the AIUM, NEMA, and FDA
• Describe the various electrical and mechanical hazards associated with diagnostic imaging
The Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute designates this educational activity for a maximum of 17.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This product also meets CME/CEU requirements for ARDMS.Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute also offers SDMS CME Credits (see above). RTs can use SDMS CME credits as ARRT Category A CME hours. Note: While offering the CME credit hours noted above, activities are not intended to provide extensive training or certification for exam performance or interpretation.
