In the acoustic wave diagnostic device and the method of operating the acoustic wave diagnostic device, the labor and time required for the operator to input the measurement point is reduced, the measurement target is measured quickly and easily, and the variation by the operator is reduced. To be able to perform the measurement. The acoustic wave diagnostic apparatus (1) includes an image display unit (14) for displaying the acquired acoustic wave image, a measurement item designation receiving unit (28) for receiving designation of measurement items related to a measurement target, and a received measurement item. A detection and measurement algorithm setting unit (29) that sets a detection and measurement algorithm based on, and a position designation receiving unit that receives designation of the position of the measurement target on the acoustic wave image (Ib) displayed on the image display unit (14) ( 30) and a measuring unit (31) which, when receiving the designation of the position, detects the measurement target based on the received position and the detection measurement algorithm, and measures the detected measurement target.音響波診断装置及び音響波診断装置の作動方法において、操作者による計測点の入力操作に要する手間や時間を低減して、迅速かつ簡単に計測対象の計測を行い、かつ操作者によるバラつきを低減した計測を行うことができるようにする。音響波診断装置（１）は、取得した音響波画像を表示する画像表示部（１４）と、計測対象に関連する計測項目の指定を受け付ける計測項目指定受付部（２８）と、受け付けた計測項目に基づいて検出計測アルゴリズムを設定する検出計測アルゴリズム設定部（２９）と、画像表示部（１４）に表示された音響波画像（Ｉｂ）上の計測対象の位置の指定を受け付ける位置指定受付部（３０）と、位置の指定を受け付けた場合に、受け付けた位置と検出計測アルゴリズムに基づいて、計測対象を検出し、かつ検出した計測対象について計測を行う計測部（３１）とを備える。
