Method for calibrating ultrasound devices and contrast agents and system therefor
AssigneeMallinckrodt Inc.
InventorsChristopher S. Hall, Michael S. Hughes
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Abstract
A method for calibrating ultrasound equipment and ultrasound contrast agents are provided that utilize polystyrene microspheres as a broad-band in vitro calibration tool. In accordance with the method a suspension of polystyrene microspheres is provided in a liquid environment in a container having an acoustic aperture. The suspension of microspheres is continuously agitated during measurement of the backscatter from the suspension of microspheres and the ultrasound equipment or contrast agent is then calibrated or adjusted to a selected backscatter setting.
Claims8
A method for calibrating an ultrasound system comprising the steps of:
- providing a suspension of microspheres of a selected size distribution in a container having at least one acoustic aperture, the microspheres being suspended in a liquid environment;
- placing the container in a constant temperature water bath;
- continuously agitating the suspension of microspheres in the container while simultaneously measuring the backscatter from the suspension of microspheres;
- and
- calibrating the ultrasound system to a selected backscatter setting in accordance with the measured backscatter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.