Is the speed of sound adjustable in sonography?

In sonography, the speed of sound in soft tissues is a constant established at approximately 1540 meters per second. This speed is based on the properties of human tissue and is considered the standard reference for evaluating ultrasound waves as they travel through the body.

While certain equipment allows for adjustments in parameters like frequency and gain, the actual speed of sound through the human body remains unchanged during typical sonographic procedures. The physical properties of the tissues, such as density and elasticity, dictate this speed, and it does not vary with operator preference or different ultrasound systems.

Understanding that the speed of sound is inherently a property of the medium is crucial for interpreting ultrasound images accurately and calculating distances, rather than implying that it can be modified at will in the context of standard clinical practice. Therefore, stating that it is not adjustable accurately reflects the principles governing ultrasound physics and operational protocols in sonography.