Ultrasound System Failures

Types of ultrasound system failures and telling the difference between them

Although routine maintenance and inspections can minimize breakage and downtime, no matter how well an ultrasound machine is cared for, it will break at some point. Parts begin to wear down and software sometimes fails. Here are a few ultrasound system failure modes.

INTERMITTENT FAILURES

Intermittent problems like report failures and software anomalies require in depth troubleshooting and investigating. The sonographer is integral to diagnosis because their input is necessary to duplicate the failure and may well be the cause of the failure. Anything that they can touch or use to operate the ultrasound machine, like knobs, dials, and screens, are potential failure points.  Understanding system functions and software may be necessary to pinpoint the failure’s cause.

SOFT FAILURES

Soft failures typically occur on the backend of the machine: CPU, software, and anything that directly relates to the creation of the image on the screen. Soft failures can be found on the system’s error log.  Although the log will show where the error is, the log isn’t always accurate in the description or location of a problem, so additional investigation may be necessary.

HARD FAILURES

Hard failures have to do with the hardware of the machine, hence, the name.  They are usually easy to diagnose, but are typically catastrophic to not only the systems, but also the workflow of the practice or department. Hard failures are traceable back to a certain board, power supply, monitor, or transducer.  In this category of failures, the causes tend to cluster around the weakest points in the design of the machine: hardware that can be damaged (i.e. probes), can heat up or switch fast.  These fixes most likely require a replacement part.

Advanced ultrasound systems is here to assist with any failure mode, diagnosis, and solution for your ultrasound machine. 1-866-620-2831

About Advanced Ultrasound Systems

Advanced Ultrasound Systems is the complete ultrasound care solution for both human and veterinary. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, AUS has successfully serviced and sold ultrasound since 2001. Today AUS, an ISO 13485 certified organization, provides ultrasound service as well as new and used equipment, probes, and parts across a wide variety of makes and models. Empowering clients with technical support, systems service training, and clinical applications support, AUS harnesses their decades of expertise for the benefit of ultrasound sonographers, purchasers, and servicers. A massive inventory of systems, parts, and probes is housed in their 20,000 square foot facility along with labs for PCB repair, portable system repair, and probe repair. White-glove service and consultative ultrasound advice, makes AUS the complete ultrasound care solution for hospitals, imaging centers, clinics, and healthcare facilities nationwide. (866) 620-2831 Contact Us Posted in