Where are grating lobes located in relation to the ultrasound beam?

Grating lobes are secondary lobes of the ultrasound beam that are typically located farthest from the center of the primary beam. These lobes can occur due to the presence of multiple elements or a specific array design in an ultrasound transducer. Their positioning outside the main beam leads to the potential for artifacts and can impact the quality of the ultrasound images.

Understanding that grating lobes are further away from the center of the beam is crucial for sonographers, as recognizing their presence helps differentiate between true reflections from structures and unwanted echoes that may distort the interpretation of the ultrasound findings. This awareness is essential for obtaining accurate imaging and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

The other locations—closer to the center, along the centerline, and adjacent to the side lobes—do not accurately describe the typical placement of grating lobes, which is fundamentally characterized by their positioning at a distance from the main beam's center.