The Characterisation of Echogenic Contrast Agents Used in Medical Ultrasound

Echogenic contrast agents offer great potential for expanding the capabilities of diagnostic ultrasound. These agents have attracted interest from a wide range of academics and commercial manufacturers and are now emerging for routine clinical use. In addition to ensuring the safety of these materials, it is necessary to characterise their ultrasonic parameters. Measurements of ultrasonic backscatter, echo intensity, attenuation and velocity are all essential in order to increase the understanding of the physical mechanisms of echo contrast and perhaps more importantly to enable the development of new formulations with the most desirable properties. This review outlines the techniques for the ultrasonic characterisation of echo contrast media whilst making reference to their clinical potential.