Ultrasound Transducer Probe Troubleshooting Tips
Even the most technologically advanced machines are prone
to wear and breakdowns. Like any machine, they require routine maintenance and
attention to ensure they perform their best. State-of-the-art machines, such as
the GE Logiq E9, are only as good as the sum of
their parts. If the probe malfunctions, it can affect the rest of the machine
and can provide skewed results. A damaged transducer probe can lead to
misdiagnosis, and can lead to danger for the patient and possibly the
sonographer. Here are some guidelines for ultrasound transducer troubleshooting
to help you see the signs and keep your machine operating well.
LINES IN THE IMAGE
AREA
Black
lines in the image area are not normal, and they’re a sign that something is
wrong with the probe. Also known as “dropout”, these lines happen when one of
the piezoelectric crystals stops sending and receiving signals. Dropouts start
small, and they can appear to the side of the screen. These lines are
relatively harmless, but they’re the first sign something is wrong. If you get
to a point where the lines are thick and obscure the image, the chance for
missing something important increases because you can’t see it. Have the probe
serviced immediately.
LENS FAILURE
The
probe lens is small, but it’s still prone to pinholes, pitted surface areas and
delamination. These pinholes may not be visible at first, but over time, they
will become more prominent. Delamination can affect picture quality, which
makes the viewing area harder to see and diagnose. These types of wear can also
harbor bacteria and expose other patients to disease.
CABLE SHEATH DAMAGE
If
there are cracks and damage to the plastic sheath on the cable, do not dismiss
it. Running over the cable with the ultrasound’s wheels and chair legs cause
tears to happen. Overlooking damage to cables can lead to safety issues, as
electricity runs through them. Touching the exposed metal can potentially shock
the tech and patient.
TORN STRAIN RELIEF
The strain relief is the area where the cable meets the probe. Damage to this part is similar to damage to the cable sheath. It’s easy to spot because that portion of the probe is handled the most. Once separation from the probe occurs, exposure of the cable can lead to damage. It may seem like a superficial problem, but the more the cables become exposed, the more open to failure the probe is.
J. Guerra
Ultrasound Imaging Expert
MXR Imaging / Conquest Imaging