[Automated quality control of ultrasonic B-mode scanners by applying an TMM 3D cyst phantom]

Our goal was to apply an advanced and automated process to determine image quality of ultrasonic B-Mode scanner, quantitatively and precisely, with the help of a 3D artificial cylinder cyst phantom. (Artificial cysts are comparable to blood vessels). The detectability of cysts and lesions in defined sizes is an essential indicator of the imaging quality. A periodical test of the ultrasonic scanner in use is mandatory, because slowly-evolving defects of ultrasound probes can cause a continuous deterioration of imaging quality and lead to incorrect diagnosis which is falsely blamed on the apparatus.