Ultrasound Transducers. Function and Quality Control in Hospitals

Abstract: Nowadays, most of the medical technology manufacturers try to meet the high demands of quality and design of ultrasound equipment, including transducers: easy to use, flexible image handling, multi frequencies operation use of various applications, good resolution and penetration. It is known that this kind of medical devices is extremely sensitive and should be maintained in compliance with the necessary physical and functional requirements, via regular tests (Moore, 2006). This master thesis has two purposes. The major one is to examine the physical and functional status of every single transducer in Gävleborg hospitals. It allows defining a possible problem before it has influenced formation image and diagnosis. The second purpose is to find out the advantages and disadvantages of using the ultrasound evaluation test FirstCall aPerio Testing Accreditation Program, manufactured by Sonora Medical System in Longmont, USA (www.4sonora.com).The scientific method of this evaluation test is based on three steps which are as follows: testing of ultrasound transducers, classified data collection and analysis. The evaluation test used in this report is a highly qualified system which has been designed to avoid and minimize diagnostic risks, and at the same time, maximize patient’s safety. It allows distinguishing any hidden manufacturing defects with new devices or those appearing during the operation period. For this evaluation test, 73 transducers were controlled, belonging to clinics of four different hospitals within the Gävleborg area. Tested transducers were manufactured by Siemens, GE Healthcare and Aloka. A total of 61 of transducers passed the test and 12 did not pass it.  Finally it was observed, that the reason for not passing the evaluation test was mostly due to dead elements in a row in the centre of the transducers. Thanks to the software program of FirstCall aPerio, the results of the evaluation test are immediately visible, through the report. It is useful in early discovering the source of error in transducer and minimizing of wrong diagnosis. The testing system gives a possibility to test the transducer without US equipment and to collect the database information. Keywords: ultrasound, FirstCall aPerio Testing Accreditation Program, ultrasound transducers, evaluation test, wrong diagnosis.