What impact does increasing frequency have on absorption in ultrasound?

Increasing frequency in ultrasound has a significant impact on absorption, leading to an increase in absorption. This phenomenon occurs because higher frequency sound waves carry more energy, which is absorbed more readily by the tissues they pass through.

As the frequency of the ultrasound waves increases, the tissue interactions, including scattering and absorption, also increase. Since most biological tissues are more efficient at absorbing high-frequency waves, this results in a greater degree of energy absorption before the waves reach deeper areas. In clinical practice, this principle is crucial when considering factors such as penetration depth versus resolution. While higher frequency waves provide better resolution, they also lead to greater absorption, limiting their depth of penetration into the body.

Understanding this relationship helps sonographers make informed decisions regarding the frequency used for different imaging scenarios, optimizing the balance between image quality and tissue penetration as required by the clinical situation.