Which of the following lists the three basic display modes used to view ultrasound information?

• A. Amplitude mode; Brightness mode; Motion mode
• B. A-mode; B-mode; Doppler mode
• C. Amplitude mode; Color mode; Doppler mode
• D. Brightness mode; Motion mode; Doppler mode

Answer: (A)

Ultrasound information is viewed using three fundamental display modes: amplitude mode (A-mode), brightness mode (B-mode), and motion mode (M-mode). A-mode shows echoes as spikes along a single line, with spike height indicating amplitude and giving precise depth information. B-mode translates echo strength into brightness on a 2D grid, producing the familiar grayscale image of anatomy. M-mode tracks motion along a single line over time, which is especially helpful for analyzing moving structures such as heart valves. Doppler techniques (color or spectral) provide flow information but are separate from these basic display modes, serving as additional tools rather than one of the core display modes. So, the combination of amplitude mode, brightness mode, and motion mode is the correct trio.