Real-time timing

One of the key advantages of diagnostic ultrasound is its ability to image moving structures in real-time.

Real-time timing describes all the factors that affect the scanning frame rate of the ultrasound system.

A single ultrasound frame is produced each time the beam is swept through the region of interest.

Our ultrasound systems typically sweep the beam through the tissue with a frame rate of approximately 10 - 50 frames per second (10-50 Hz).

Scanning frame rate determines the system's temporal resolution - its ability to separate out events in time.

A high scanning frame provides good temporal resolution. This is particularly important when we are scanning moving structures such as the heart or the fetus.

The following video will provide you with a good explanation of all the factors that affect frame rate and temporal resolution.