What is the purpose of ultrasound phantoms?

Ultrasound phantoms are specifically designed to mimic the properties of human tissue to facilitate the testing and calibration of ultrasound equipment. They provide a controlled environment where technicians can evaluate the functionality and accuracy of ultrasound imaging systems without involving actual patients. By simulating various tissue characteristics, such as density and elasticity, phantoms enable practitioners and engineers to ensure that their equipment is producing reliable images that can be interpreted in a clinical setting. This is crucial for proper diagnostics and treatment planning, as accurate imaging is vital in various medical procedures.

Other options do not accurately capture the primary purpose of ultrasound phantoms. For example, while human tissue replacement in surgeries or training surgical technicians might be important in medicine, those purposes fall outside the scope of what ultrasound phantoms are used for. Additionally, evaluating blood samples does not relate to the function of ultrasound phantoms, which focus solely on imaging techniques rather than fluid analysis.