The color flash artifact in medical ultrasound appears as a burst of color, typically red and blue, within a fluid-filled structure or region of interest, without actual blood flow. This common artifact is generated by sudden tissue or transducer movement, causing rapid changes in the received Doppler signals, which the ultrasound system misinterprets as blood flow. Recognizing this artifact is crucial for accurate diagnosis, preventing misinterpretations of true vascularity.
Understanding the color flash artifact is essential for sonographers to differentiate it from genuine flow, especially in cases like ascites, pleural effusions, or cysts. Optimizing transducer pressure, reducing gain, or using a slower frame rate can help mitigate this artifact, enhancing the clarity and diagnostic value of ultrasound images in various clinical applications.
