Knobology is the colloquial term used in sonography education to describe the practical knowledge of how to use the controls and settings on an ultrasound machine to optimize image quality. This includes adjusting gain, time-gain compensation, depth, focus, frequency, dynamic range, and Doppler settings such as pulse repetition frequency, wall filter, and gate size. Mastering knobology is essential for producing diagnostic-quality images because even the best scanning technique will produce poor images if the machine settings are not properly optimized. Sonography students spend significant time learning knobology because each manufacturer’s machine has a different interface, though the underlying principles are universal.
Sonography Term