How is Duty Factor defined in sonographic terms?

Duty Factor in sonography is defined as the proportion of time that ultrasound is actively transmitted compared to the total time of the pulse cycle. This is crucial in understanding the efficiency and effectiveness of an ultrasound system. A higher duty factor indicates that a larger portion of the time is spent actively sending out ultrasound waves, which can enhance image quality and allow for better visualization of structures being examined.

When considering the definition, it’s important to recognize that Duty Factor is expressed as a ratio, calculated by dividing the time the ultrasound system is on (transmitting a pulse) by the total time of both the on and off (listening) periods within a cycle. This means that while an ultrasound system may be transmitting signals for a certain period, it also requires time to receive echoes, thereby affecting the Duty Factor. Understanding this concept allows sonographers to optimize imaging parameters for various clinical situations, particularly in situations requiring real-time imaging or Doppler assessments.