Image Quality

The quality of the image depends on the spatial resolution (image, above) which is the ability to distinguish between 2 objects. This is a function of:

• Axial resolution – The ability to distinguish between 2 structures that lie along the axis.
• Lateral resolution – The resolution of objects lying side by side.
• Slice thickness – A function of the transducer design, i.e. how thin the array actually is, and how well the lens focus is designed.

Limits of both spatial and contrast resolution are important in foreign body localisation.

The table below shows spatial resolution limits.