A multicentre survey of the condition of ultrasound probes

The implementation of quality assurance for ultrasound scanners in the United Kingdom is patchy, but government appointed bodies require quality assurance and there are regulatory requirements for maintenance and inspection of equipment. Previous studies have shown high fault rates in ultrasound probes; some of these studies used electronic probe testers, but there is good evidence that over 90% of faults may be detected using simple methods. We aimed to conduct a multicentre survey of the condition of probes, using visual inspection and assessing the in-air reverberation.

Visitors to the stand run by Multi-Medix Ltd at the BMUS Annual Scientific Meeting in 2014 were invited to participate in the study. One or both of the authors visited participants, performing a visual inspection of probes for evidence of damage or wear and inspecting the in-air reverberation pattern for uniformity. Probes were classified using a risk-based traffic light system: green-no fault found; amber-fault found; further action required but the probe need not be removed from use; red-the probe should be removed from use due to physical or clinical diagnostic risks.

Twelve sites and 219 probes were included in the survey. Sixty-three percent of probes were classified as green; 25% as amber and 13% as red.

More than one in three probes were faulty. Simple tests, at minimal cost, have the potential to demonstrate over 90% of probe faults, making it possible for employers to comply with their duties defined by regulations, national standards and professional guidelines.