Doppler backscatter properties of a blood-mimicking fluid for Doppler performance assessment

The Doppler backscatter properties of a blood-mimickig fluid (BMF) were stu died to evaluate its suitability for use in a Doppler how test object. Meas urements were performed using a Bow rig with C-flex tubing and BMF flow pro duced by a roller pump or a gear pump. A SciMed Doppler system was used to measure the backscattered Doppler power with a root-mean-square power meter connected to the audio output. Studies investigated the dependence of the backscattered Doppler power of the BMF with: circulation time; batch and op erator preparations; storage; sieve size; flow speed; and pump type. A comp arison was made with human red bleed cells resuspended in saline. The backs catter properties are stable and within International Electrotechnical Comm ission requirements. The BMF is suitable for use in a test object for Doppl er performance assessment. (C) 1998 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medi cine & Biology.