Patent ID: 7179449

Claim:
A method for comparing acoustic reflectivity of a target for ultrasound imaging at a lower and a higher temperature, the method comprising (a) measuring reflectivity prior to raising the temperature of liquid nanoparticles bound to a target; (b) raising the temperature of the liquid nanoparticles bound to said target sufficiently to produce a measurable enhancement in acoustic reflectivity of the target; (c) measuring reflectivity after raising the temperature of the bound liquid nanoparticles; and (d) determining the change in reflectivity of the bound liquid nanoparticles after raising the temperature compared to reflectivity prior to raising the temperature, wherein said nanoparticles comprise at least one fluorocarbon, said nanoparticles having been administered to said target in a non-gaseous emulsion, and wherein said nanoparticles are maintained in the liquid state during all of steps (a)–(c).