What is the purpose of time gain compensation (TGC) control?

The purpose of time gain compensation (TGC) control is to adjust the gain at specific depths within the tissue being examined during an ultrasound examination. This function is essential because as ultrasound waves travel through tissue, they attenuate or lose strength. Areas that are deeper in the body receive weaker signals compared to those closer to the transducer. TGC allows sonographers to enhance the echoes received from deeper structures, thereby providing a clearer and more uniform image throughout the depth of the scan. By adjusting the gain specifically for different depths, TGC helps to improve the overall quality of the ultrasound images, facilitating better diagnostic accuracy.