In what units is the attenuation coefficient typically reported?

The attenuation coefficient is a measure of how much the intensity of ultrasound waves decreases as they travel through a medium. It quantifies the loss of energy due to absorption, scattering, and other interactions in the tissue through which the ultrasound is passing. The attenuation coefficient is typically reported in decibels per centimeter (dB/cm).

Using this unit allows for a clear understanding of the amount of signal loss over a given distance. The decibel scale is logarithmic, making it particularly effective for representing a wide range of intensities in a manageable format. A higher attenuation coefficient indicates that more ultrasound energy is being lost per centimeter as it travels through the tissue.

The other potential units mentioned are not appropriate for the attenuation coefficient. For instance, mW/cm and W/cm are units of power and intensity rather than a measure of signal loss over distance, while Hz/cm would relate to frequency rather than attenuation. Thus, reporting the attenuation coefficient in dB/cm is standard practice in sonography.