A method of performing a scanning sequence for an ultrasound scan includes establishing a number of ultrasound beams to be transmitted during an ultrasound scan, establishing a pulse repetition interval to be used for performing the ultrasound scan, and establishing a number of firings of each of the ultrasound beams to be performed during the ultrasound scan. The intermediate material includes stabilizing species corresponding to one or both of carbon and boron. The pressure member has resilient plates of two types which can be suitably selected by means of an adjustment member.