Unit 1 POCUS Basic covers fundamental physics related to Ultrasound, discussing ultrasound wave production, artifacts, echogenicity, B mode usage, and probe components. Understanding ultrasound wave interaction with body structures is crucial for accurate imaging and diagnosis in point of care ultrasound.

This chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of ultrasound physics, emphasizing its diagnostic significance and clinical application. It covers the production of ultrasound waves, artifacts, echogenicity of structures, B mode usage, sonographic techniques, hand technique, depth gain frequency, and other essential aspects of ultrasound equipment.

Point of care ultrasound is a reliable tool as it accurately represents the physical properties of tissues, such as muscles appearing as bright lines with fibrous connections and bones reflecting as solid hyper-echoic structures. This distinct appearance aids in clinical decision-making by differentiating between various tissue types and pathologies.

Ultrasound frequencies vary for different imaging needs, with lower frequencies penetrating deeper but providing lower resolution images, while higher frequencies offer better resolution for superficial structures. Understanding ultrasound artifacts, such as reverberation caused by dense objects like needles, and the importance of probe positioning for accurate imaging are crucial in clinical diagnosis.

Ultrasound imaging reveals distinct echogenicity levels in structures like the gallbladder, pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidney, ranging from hyper-echoic to hypo-echoic. Different ultrasound probes, such as linear, curvilinear, and phased array, offer varying frequencies and depths for imaging different body structures.