{"id":2346,"date":"2020-08-31T18:32:27","date_gmt":"2020-08-31T18:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/probo2020.bssdev.com\/?p=2346"},"modified":"2021-10-30T16:30:17","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T16:30:17","slug":"step-by-step-guide-for-a-clear-babyface-4d-ultrasound-image","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.probomedical.com\/ca\/learn\/blog\/step-by-step-guide-for-a-clear-babyface-4d-ultrasound-image\/","title":{"rendered":"Step-by-Step Guide for a Clear “Babyface” 4D Ultrasound Image"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How\u00a0to Perform 4D Ultrasound for \u201cBabyface\u201d Imaging<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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Of all the topics I have covered in my videos, this one is of the top-viewed of all time. I know exactly why: 4D ultrasound concepts can be a difficult process for both new and experienced sonographers.<\/p>\n

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Over the last 21 years, I have trained hundreds of people in 4D ultrasound. Some were experienced sonographers and physicians, and others had barely used an ultrasound before. With the variety of people that I've trained, I have not found that experience, degree, or general intelligence can predict how quickly a user will grasp 4D ultrasound imaging.<\/p>\n

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Simply put, 4D imaging is not easy, and the only way to learn it is practice, practice, practice. Since we all have to start somewhere, I have built a guide that will give you the right foundation to start perfecting your 4D imaging.<\/p>\n

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A few notes before moving forward. First, this guide cannot replace applications training. Second, this guide is written for someone who has a basic knowledge of their ultrasound machine. If you are not familiar with your ultrasound machine,\u00a0it will be difficult for you to follow these steps. While I use the Voluson for the screenshots, the principles that apply here work for any 4D ultrasound.<\/p>\n

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Step 1: Perfect your 2D Image<\/h3>\n

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A 4D image must start with a good 2D image. Fortunately, every ultrasound will have settings that magically (and automatically) optimize your machine for an optimal 2D image. These all start with choosing the right \"preset\" for your probe.<\/p>\n

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To find these presets, first select your probe and select the Obstetric setting. From there, you should see a label that indicates a general OB setting for 20+ weeks, like \u201c2-3 Trimester\u201d or \u201cMid-Pregnancy.\" For most 4D scans, you'll want to choose one of these presets for an optimal starting point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Begin with a good 2D image<\/em><\/p>\n

Now, you'll want to capture a good 2D image of the baby's profile.<\/p>\n

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Often, the best angle for a baby's face is by positioning the probe near the pelvic bone on the left or right side, not from the middle of the belly. Once positioned near the pelvic bone, pretend you\u2019re aiming a flashlight towards the cervix by angling the probe head towards the cervix. If you see the spine, you\u2019ll need to angle the probe from the other side (i.e. right pelvic to left pelvic or vice versa).<\/p>\n

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Gain Control:\u00a0<\/strong>Capturing a quality 2D image includes cleaning up the image by adjusting the Gain. The Gain is essentially the brightness of the ultrasound image. Too little gain produces a very dark image. On the other hand, too much gain will give you a \u201cfuzzy\u201d image.<\/p>\n

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On some ultrasounds, the Gain control is a 2D knob that you twist. On other ultrasound machines, it\u2019s indicated as \u201c2D\u201d, \u201cB\u201d, or \u201cGain\u201d. Keep slowly adjusting the knob until you find that happy medium to provide a contrast between the dark fluid and a light face.<\/p>\n

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What is considered a \"good\" 2D image for 4D imaging?\u00a0<\/strong>The best 2D image\u00a0for a good \u201cbabyface\u201d image has the following characteristics:<\/p>\n

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