What can be used to improve the quality of an ultrasound image?

Applying a coupling gel significantly improves the quality of an ultrasound image. This gel serves to eliminate air between the transducer and the skin, which can disrupt sound wave transmission. Ultrasound waves rely on efficient transfer to produce clear images, and any air gaps can lead to attenuation of the waves, resulting in poor image quality. By using coupling gel, the ultrasound technician ensures that the sound waves can travel more effectively through the skin and into the body, allowing for better visualization of the internal structures being examined.

While lowering the frequency of the transducer can sometimes provide deeper penetration for larger structures, it often sacrifices resolution. Increasing the patient's body temperature is generally not a practical technique used to enhance image quality, and while a higher resolution monitor can help display better images, it does not improve the raw data quality captured during the ultrasound examination itself. Hence, application of coupling gel is the key factor in enhancing the overall quality of the ultrasound image.