What does an increase in output gain do?

An increase in output gain adjusts the amplification of the ultrasound signal after it has been received. This means that the signals coming from the transducer, which reflect off structures in the body, will be amplified more significantly. As a result, increasing the output gain leads to a brighter image, as the signals are processed more prominently.

Higher output gain improves the overall visibility of the structures being imaged by enhancing the signal strength, which translates into a clearer and more detailed image. Although this increased gain does not directly increase exposure to the patient, it essentially allows for better imaging quality at potentially lower exposure settings, which is a critical aspect of optimizing patient safety during ultrasound examinations.

The choice that states an increase in output gain increases exposure to the patient is misleading, as the purpose of adjusting output gain is to produce clearer images while maintaining a safe exposure level, and not to increase it. Understanding how output gain works is essential for sonographers to produce optimal diagnostic images while ensuring patient safety.