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ARDMS SPI Exam
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (Page 8 )

Updated On: 7-Feb-2026
Page 8 of 44
PDF with 215 Questions

The calipers in this image measure which performance characteristic of a system?

  1. Depth measurement accuracy
  2. Dynamic range
  3. Axial resolution
  4. Lateral resolution

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The calipers shown in the image are used to measure the depth of structures within the ultrasound image. This performance characteristic, known as depth measurement accuracy, assesses how accurately the ultrasound system can measure the distance from the transducer to a specific point within the body. Accurate depth measurements are crucial for diagnostic purposes, ensuring that anatomical and pathological structures are correctly identified and evaluated.


Reference:

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Sonography Principles and Instrumentation study materials.

Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography by Hagen-Ansert, S. L. (latest edition).



In this image, which artifact is demonstrated?

  1. Mirroring
  2. Aliasing
  3. Range ambiguity
  4. Spectral broadening

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The artifact demonstrated in the image is mirroring. This occurs when the ultrasound beam encounters a strong reflector, such as a diaphragm or pleura, and is reflected back and forth between the object and the transducer. This results in a duplicate image appearing on the other side of the strong reflector, creating a mirror image artifact. It is crucial for sonographers to recognize and differentiate this artifact from actual anatomical structures to avoid misinterpretation.


Reference:

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Sonography Principles and Instrumentation study materials.

Diagnostic Ultrasound: Principles and Instruments by Kremkau, F. W. (latest edition).



What is a potential negative consequence of using a high wall filter?

  1. Desired signal may be eliminated
  2. Aliasing could occur
  3. Penetration is reduced
  4. Too much noise may appear on the image

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

A high wall filter is used in Doppler ultrasound to eliminate low-frequency signals that may be attributed to vessel wall motion or other low-velocity flows. However, if the wall filter is set too high, it can inadvertently eliminate desired low-frequency Doppler signals that represent real blood flow, particularly in smaller vessels or those with slower flow velocities. This results in a loss of valuable diagnostic information.


Reference:

ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Review, Doppler Ultrasound section.



During 3-D volume acquisition, the quality of the images is most dependent upon which factor?

  1. Number of slices acquired
  2. Power output
  3. Rendering method utilized
  4. Speed of post-processing image compression

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

During 3-D volume acquisition in ultrasound, the quality of the images is most dependent on the number of slices acquired. This is because the more slices (or planes) that are captured, the more detailed and accurate the reconstruction of the 3-D volume will be. This allows for better spatial resolution and more precise visualization of anatomical structures. Other factors, such as power output, rendering methods, and speed of post-processing, also affect image quality but are secondary to the number of slices in terms of fundamental image acquisition quality.


Reference:

ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Review, 3-D Ultrasound Imaging section.



What occurs when the pulse repetition frequency is less than twice the Doppler shift frequency?

  1. Spectral broadening
  2. Range ambiguity
  3. Aliasing
  4. Propagation speed artifact

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Aliasing occurs in Doppler ultrasound when the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) is less than twice the Doppler shift frequency (Nyquist limit).
When this condition is met, the Doppler signals are not sampled frequently enough to accurately measure the frequency shifts, resulting in the misrepresentation of the flow velocities. This causes the aliasing artifact, where high-velocity flows are displayed incorrectly as wrapping around the baseline, leading to potential diagnostic errors.


Reference:

ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Review, Doppler Artifacts section.






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