Methods are provided for automatic setting of parameters for contrast
agent quantification. Various processes may improve quantification. For
example, for consistency in contrast agent quantification, a gain or
other setting of an ultrasound system is automatically determined in
response to destruction of the contrast agent or at the initiation of the
contrast agent quantification procedure. Automatic setting of an adaptive
gain provides equalized image intensity for each repetition of a contrast
agent quantification procedure based on a same triggering event, the
destruction of contrast agent. By synchronizing the adaptive setting
algorithms with contrast agent destruction, similar base line information
is provided for each iteration of a contrast agent quantification
procedure. As another example, the contrast agent gain setting treats
acoustic signals representing tissue or other non-contrast agent
structure as noise, mapping the tissue values to a substantially constant
low value within the dynamic range. As yet another example, by segmenting
out blood pools or other areas of contrast agent likely to have contrast
agents even after destruction, the resulting gain is more likely
sensitive to the detection of perfused contrast agents.