Current in vitro sonication experiments show immense variability in experimental set-ups and methods used. As a result, there is uncertainty in the ultrasound field parameters experienced by sonicated samples, poor reproducibility of these experiments and thus reduced scientific value of the results obtained. The scope of this narrative review is to briefly describe mechanisms of action of ultrasound, list the most frequently used experimental set-ups and focus on a description of factors influencing the outcomes and reproducibility of these experiments. The factors assessed include: proper reporting of ultrasound exposure parameters, experimental geometry, coupling medium quality, influence of culture vessels, formation of standing waves, motion/rotation of the sonicated sample and the characteristics of the sample itself. In the discussion we describe pros and cons of particular exposure geometries and factors, and make a few recommendations as to how to increase the reproducibility and validity of the experiments performed.

中文翻译：

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体外治疗性超声实验：影响结果和再现性的因素回顾

当前的体外超声实验显示实验设置和使用的方法存在巨大差异。因此，超声处理样品所经历的超声场参数存在不确定性，这些实验的可重复性较差，从而降低了所得结果的科学价值。本叙述性评论的范围是简要描述超声波的作用机制，列出最常用的实验装置，并重点描述影响这些实验结果和可重复性的因素。评估的因素包括：正确报告超声暴露参数、实验几何、耦合介质质量、培养容器的影响、驻波的形成、超声处理样品的运动/旋转以及样品本身的特性。