By Nick Bublitz

Performing a Linear Scan Sensitivity/

Velocity/Wedge Delay Calibration-
Longitudinal Wave PA Using SDHs at
Known Depths 2.0 SW
2
Calibrations-Required items
Calibration block with 2 same size reflectors
at known depths- (Navships block with
SDHs)
Couplant-water works best
Guide to keep from skewing- use a ruler, set
the block on its side, or on IHC wedges can
screw down one sides carbide pins.
3
Velocity Calibration
The velocity calibration will fine tune the velocity to
that of the calibration block. It will require two
reflectors of the same size at two different known
depths.
In many cases the default material velocity and
wave type set by the operator in the group wizard
is sufficient and this calibration can be skipped
because wedge delay will adjust accordingly to
allow accurate measurements.
If performed the velocity calibration should be
done before the wedge delay calibration.
4
Select Velocity Calibration
Go to the Wizard-
Calibration menu
Select Ultrasound and
Velocity
Start the wizard
5
Select A-Scan
Put the probe on your
block over the first
reflector.
Choose a VPA near the
middle of your probe.
Adjust range as needed to
ensure you will see the 2
reflectors you have
chosen.
6
Set Depth 1 and 2
Select depth from echo
type
Set depth 1 and depth
2 to your reflector
depths.
7
Set Gate A on Depth 1
Peak the reflector at
the chosen VPA.
Adjust the gate to
encompass the
reflector.
Get position.
8
Set Gate A on Depth 2
Repeat the peaking
process on your
second reflector.
Adjust the gate to
encompass this
reflector.
Get position.
9
Accept or Restart
View the velocity
determination
If it is sensible accept
the calibration, if not
restart.
10
Wedge Delay-Depth Reflector
Wedge Delay will enter compensation for
the travel of the beams through the wedge
medium and account for the various exit
points or wedge wear.
Wedge delay needs only 1 distinct reflector-
a known depth reflector will be used here.
After wedge calibrations, accurate
measurements can be taken.
11
Wedge Delay Calibration-Depth
Enter the calibration
menu
Select Ultrasound and
Wedge Delay-Start
Select depth and input
depth to the reflector
and a tolerance
12
Set Section
Decide if you want to
calibrate the whole
angular sweep or
break it up into
separate calibrations-
for most setups with a
good calibration block
you can calibrate the
whole sweep. Hit Next
13
Set Gate A on Depth A
Put the probe on the block so
you can see the chosen
depth reflector.
Adjust the gate
start/width/threshold to
encompass the reflector.
Move the probe forward
and backwards to ensure
gate is encompassing
reflector through all angles
and there are no other
reflectors that will affect
calibration.
14
Calibrate and Accept
Move the probe forward
and backward applying
even pressure and
avoiding skewing right or
left.
Move in both directions
until the green line is built
across the whole angular
range. Adjust gain as
needed.
Hit calibrate.
15
Accept or Restart
After hitting calibrate-
rerun the probe
through the angular
range verifying you are
within the set
tolerance.
Accept or Restart.
16
Sensitivity Calibrations
Sensitivity calibrations equalize the
sensitivity (amplitude response) from a
given reflector through all the VPAs
(beams).
This will insure no matter what VPA the
reflector is seen with the % FSH is the same
for rejection or detection purposes as well
as for the amplitude based color coded
imaging selections.
17
Getting Started
Choose a SDH and
couple your probe
above it
Use a guide system to
keep the probe from
skewing side to side.
18
Sensitivity Calibration
Enter Calibration menu
and select Sensitivity
Choose a reference
screen height to
equalize sensitivity to
(80% FSH) and a
tolerance
19
Set Section
Choose whether to
calibrate the whole
angular sweep in one
step or break it up into
separate calibrations-
if your calibration block
has adequate spacing
between SDHs you
can usually do the
whole range.
20
Set Gate A on Echo A
Set the gate to encompass the
SDH reflection. Adjust the
start/width/threshold of the gate.
Move the probe forward and
backward to ensure the gate
covers the reflector through all
the angles and is not on any
other reflectors that may inhibit
the calibration
21
Set Compensation Gain
Allows you to adjust
the gain as needed to
ensure the reflector is
seen properly
throughout all the
angles
In most cases no
adjustment or an
adjustment of the
overall gain (if over
reference level FSH%)
is needed.
22
Calibrate and Accept
Applying even pressure
and not skewing right or
left, move the probe
forward and backwards to
build the green line as the
reflector is seen by the
angles.
Ensure the green line is
on-screen across the
whole screen-not to low or
over the tolerance lines.
23
Calibrate and Accept
Press Calibrate
Verify the calibration
by repeating the
forward and backward
movement of the probe
The green line should
fall within the defined
tolerance lines across
all the angles.
Accept or Recalibrate
as needed.