Ultrasound probe maintenance tips Now, as you have an idea of how to find defects and get them repaired, some essential maintenance tips would be beneficial. Daily cleaning: Regular cleaning using the disinfectant of the ultrasound machine, probe, and other peripheral devices is a good practice to apply.
Full Answer
Where can I get my ultrasound probe repaired?
PRS is the leading French laboratory for the repair of ultrasound probes of all brands. Our probe repair service specializes in ultrasound transducers by GE, Siemens, Philips, Toshiba, Aloka Hitachi, Esaote, Fuji Sonosite, BK, Supersonicimagine, Mindray and others besides.
What does it mean if my ultrasound probe is damaged?
It also normally means your ultrasound probe needs repair. The cable, lens and strain relief are all important parts of the probe. Any damage to these or the housing of the probe would also be clearly visible. These damages are largely repairable.
Can you repair a broken transducer?
In many cases, repairs on damaged or broken probes can be made for a fraction of the cost of a replacement new or used ultrasound transducer. In addition, we also offer a probe rental program, which will allow you to continue your work virtually uninterrupted while we evaluate and/or repair your probe.
How to clean an ultrasound transducer?
The first step of cleaning your transducer is to remove all visible soil or contaminants from it. All probes must be cleaned after every use – this is a required step before the disinfection or sterilization process. 1. After every exam or use, make sure the ultrasound gel is completely removed from the probe.
How do they fix an ultrasound?
0:071:15How to Repair an Ultrasound Machine: Reconditioned Ultrasound SystemsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystems our process starts by disassembling the frame and boards in order to test the board'sMoreSystems our process starts by disassembling the frame and boards in order to test the board's functionality. We reconnect the boards assuring good connections while fixing any loose wiring.
How do you service an ultrasound probe?
Rinse the transducer thoroughly with running water, and then dry the transducer with a soft cloth or paper towel.” Clean probe immediately by using a low lint cloth and pre-cleaning solution listed in the ultrasound manufacturers' IFU. The drying step is imperative.
What is inside an ultrasound probe?
The transducer probe generates and receives sound waves using a principle called the piezoelectric (pressure electricity) effect, which was discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880. In the probe, there are one or more quartz crystals called piezoelectric crystals.
How long do ultrasound probes last?
According to industry experts, on average, ultrasound machines should be replaced every 5-7 years1. Knowing that an ultrasound system typically lasts 5-7 years can be instrumental when purchasing a new machine.
Can you use alcohol to clean ultrasound probe?
Cleaning ultrasound probes with chlorhexidine and alcohol wipes is effective and provides additional protection against bacterial contamination due to its residual effect, and appears in the short term to have no detrimental effect on the probe.
How do you sterilize an ultrasound transducer?
Critical devices require sterilization, typically performed by steam sterilization or autoclave. However, since ultrasound probes are heat-sensitive, they can be reprocessed by soaking in a high-level disinfectant, or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma or vaporized hydrogen peroxide.
How much does an ultrasound probe cost?
Prices for additional transducer probes start from $500 but can go up to $5,000 or more. Standard ultrasound probes are at the cheaper end of the scale and generally under $1,000. High-end probes range from around $3,000 to $5,000.
What are the four types of probes?
The probes can be divided into 4 basic categories: the lin- ear probe, the loop probe, the side-by-side probe and the concentric probe ( fig. 3 ) [10] .
What is the difference between probe and transducer?
An ultrasound transducer, also called a probe, is a device that produces sound waves that bounce off body tissues and make echoes. The transducer also receives the echoes and sends them to a computer that uses them to create an image called sonogram.
Do ultrasonic transducers wear out?
Wear-plate The environmental problems that it protects the ultrasonic transducer from are usually wear and tear and corrosion. The wear-plate generally operates as an acoustic converter between the crystal and water, wedge, or delay line.
What is the jelly used for ultrasounds?
Ultrasound gel is a thick substance composed of water and propylene glycol, a synthetic compound often found in food and cosmetic or hygiene products. It has a sticky consistency, allowing it to be spread over the skin without dripping or running off.
Why is jelly used in ultrasound scan?
Because ultrasound sound waves have a difficult time traveling through the air, ultrasound gel is used to reduce the air between your patient and the transducer to reduce acoustic impedance and reflection to allow for a clear image to be produced.
How do you handle a probe?
1:563:476 Holding The Ultrasound Probe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to make sure that your fingers are behind this edge of the ultrasound probe. So you don'MoreSo you want to make sure that your fingers are behind this edge of the ultrasound probe. So you don't have to worry about them obstructing your view or your work area.
What are the types of ultrasound probes?
There are three basic types of probe used in emergency and critical care point-of-care ultrasound: linear, curvilinear, and phased array. Linear (also sometimes called vascular) probes are generally high frequency, better for imaging superficial structures and vessels, and are also often called a vascular probe.
What is an Endocavity probe?
Our endocavity probe covers serve as a viral barrier for transrectal and transvaginal ultrasound procedures. Compatible with most ultrasound manufacturers and available in several material types, our endocavity probe covers are trusted to protect the clinician and patient.
What is a linear ultrasound probe?
A linear probe uses high frequency ultrasound to create high resolution images of structures near the body surface. This makes the probe ideal for vascular imaging and certain procedures such as central line placement.
What brands of ultrasound probes are there?
Check out our wide selection of ultrasound probes from top brands such as Philips, GE, Toshiba, and Siemens, and do not hesitate to contact our sales department with your inquiries, or questions at [email protected]
How to prevent a transducer from dropping on the floor?
Putting protective bags around the transducer head, or attaching safety wires to the probe to avoid dropping it on the floor.
Why is my wire not rounded anymore?
Most probably, a cart/system ran over the cable and caused wear and tear in the wires. Getting hit, or exposed to pressure over an extended period , can also cause the wires to become stacked together. Then the wire is not fine and its shape is not rounded anymore.
Why is my strain relief broken?
Noise or missing connection. Possibly, the strain relief broke due to bending, a system could have run over the cable, or the connector could have been dropped.
Can you fix an ultrasound probe?
You might be able to fix the probe yourself. If not, our team of specialists is ready to help you in case you need it. At LBN Medical we can repair broken ultrasound probes and also provide you with new ones.
Can you disinfect a transducer lens?
Use of disinfection, not suitable for transducer lenses. It usually happens when you clean the probe with fluids containing alcohol. Sometimes you can save it by using a proper gel.
Can you use disinfectant on a probe?
Never use disinfectant fluids containing alcohol, as they will dry out the lens of the probe. Moreover, never bend and twist the cable, as there are 128-320 small wires and each has a connection to a crystal. If these wires tear up, the signal will greatly reduce or even completely disappear.
How to tell if ultrasound transducer is damaged?
The first check is to visually inspect the condition of the transducer to see if it has been dropped or damaged. Most ultrasound technicians won’t tell you if it was dropped, but large blocks of dropout on the left- or right-side of the transducer often are the result of physical damage.
Why do ultrasound transducers fail?
Mechanical problems occur in these transducers because they are required sweep back-and-forth in order to acquire slices for the volume image. Over time, the transducer mechanisms can fail after extended use. Before calling for repair, it can sometimes be resolved by reconnecting the transducer. These mechanical malfunctions may also be caused by a broken motor board within the ultrasound system.
How to diagnose a leak in a Voluson ultrasound?
This can be diagnosed by turning the gain all the way up, hold the probe head facing down for 30 seconds, then turn it upright and look at the image on the ultrasound machine. The image will almost appear to show waves as the image begins to turn black as gravity takes effect on the oil inside the probe casing. This can often be fixed.
Why does a transducer wear down?
The membrane of a transducer can wear down for a number of reasons, the most common is extended use. For some manufacturers, this is a relatively simple fix. One single event typically does not cause holes or extreme wear, although we’re finding it to be somewhat common when needles are involved with the use of the probe. This repair often does not require replacement, but it’s common to see weak or dead elements with this problem, which is simply a result of extended use.
What does dropout mean in ultrasound?
Dropout is seen by black lines throughout your image. This “Dropout” is where one of the piezoelectric crystals is no longer sending or receiving signals, and there are many reasons why this may occur. Sometimes dropout is from a single element and you’ll see a very thin black line through your ultrasound image.
What are the problems with ultrasound connectors?
Some manufacturers have somewhat poor construction, specifically the “clamshell” laptop-style connectors. When good care is taken to connect and reconnect the transducers, most do not have this issue.
Can you repair a broken ultrasound transducer?
In many cases, repairs on damaged or broken probes can be made for a fraction of the cost of a replacement new or used ultrasound transducer.
How to identify a defective probe?
If the probe has a broken membrane or cracked wire, you can see it immediately. But what if the defect is not noticeable?
What is a probe in medical?
A probe is a part that comes in contact with the patients. Try to check if the connector pins are not damaged or bent. Daily monitor the membrane of a probe. Consider regular servicing or at least a quick repair even for minor defects.
Is it better to clean an ultrasound machine?
Regular cleaning using the disinfectant of the ultrasound machine, probe, and other peripheral devices is a good practice to apply. The fan cooling system of an ultrasound machine should be functioning well. Overheating causes technical issues. It’s better to keep the machine cool.
Can a tee transducer be bitten?
Tee transducers are particularly expensive ones and usually get bitten by patients. The tiny defects on tee probes are tough to notice.
Can ultrasounds diagnose sars?
It’s no surprise that ultrasound s can diagnose various diseases, including the severity of SARS viruses like Covid-19. As a healthcare professional, it is ensuring the patient’s safety with ultrasound probes is your duty.
Can a person who is not very experienced with the probe handle it poorly?
A person who is not very experienced with the probe might handle it poorly. It’s better to let an expert handle the machine to keep it safe. You must be gentle with the handling of cords, buttons, and peripherals.
Is it better to repair a probe or buy a new one?
Repairing and regular maintenance of a probe have advantages over buying a new one . It will save you money, and you’ll be more careful about using it. A defective probe could be dangerous for patients, especially for pregnant women. A periodical servicing of a probe will ensure it’s correct functionality.
1. Ship Probe to Avante
To get started, simply enter basic facts about your probe. Then, ship your probe by either printing a shipping label or requesting a "shuttle" (shipping container) from Avante.
2. Approve Quote
Within 24 hours of receiving your probe, Avante will send you a web-based quote detailing the necessary repairs and the turnaround time options (3, 6, 10 days). To approve, simply select the desired repairs and timeframe.
3. Start Using Your "New" Probe!
Avante will ship your probe back for delivery on the day it is due. Simply unwrap your probe and it is ready to be used.
How to clean ultrasound transducer?
The first step of cleaning your transducer is to remove all visible soil or contaminants from it. All probes must be cleaned after every use – this is a required step before the disinfection or sterilization process. 1. After every exam or use, make sure the ultrasound gel is completely removed from the probe.
What is ultrasound supply?
At Ultrasound Supply, our top priority is to enhance lifecare and create successful healthcare solutions by providing optimal ultrasound distribution service price and amazing tech support solutions, and offering industry-leading ultrasound machines and probes at an affordable price that is consistent with your business needs.
Can probe cables dangle from ultrasound?
Do not let probe cables dangle loosely from the ultrasound system where they might be caught in the casters while moving.
Can you store a transducer on a system?
Currently, there are no provisions to store additional transducers on the system. Make sure your probe is disinfected, cleaned and completely dry. If your probe has a carrying case, always use it to transport the probe from one site to another. About Ultrasound Supply’s Ultrasound Machines & Transducers.
Can you knock a transducer?
Do not drop or knock the transducer. Hitting the probe lens face can cause fractures of the crystals which can lead to failure.
Can you leave a transducer with gel on?
Transducers should not be left with gel on them. Probe Damage from NOT Removing Gel. 2. Remove transducer cover if necessary, biopsy guides or protective devices from the transducer. 3. Disconnect all probes from your ultrasound machine prior to cleaning or disinfecting.
