Who controls the depth of view?

• A. The radiologist
• B. The patient
• C. The sonographer
• D. The fabricator

Answer: (C)

In ultrasound imaging, the depth of view is set by the operator using the machine’s depth control. The person performing the exam—the sonographer—adjusts this in real time to ensure the region of interest is within the display and to keep an adequate frame rate. This active, hands-on control is what makes the depth of view a skill the sonographer manages during the scan. Radiologists may interpret images, but the actual depth setting during acquisition is the sonographer’s responsibility. The patient and fabricator don’t control the live depth setting. If the depth is set too deep for a superficial structure, the image can lose detail and frame rate can drop; too shallow, deeper structures may be out of view. The sonographer balances these factors to optimize visualization of the target anatomy.