Title: Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment: Installation, Maintenance &

Troubleshooting

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment Maintenance
• Subtitle: Installation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting & User Support
• Presented by: [WALTER MATOKE]
• Institution: [RP- KIGALI]

Slide 2: Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, learners should be able to:
Identify the components of an ultrasound machine
Explain the installation procedure
Perform preventive maintenance and disinfection
Identify and troubleshoot common faults
Interpret common image artifacts and their causes
Prepare a service report and conduct user training

Slide 3: Description of Ultrasound Equipment

• Non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool
• Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs, tissues, and
blood flow
• Commonly used in obstetrics, cardiology, urology, musculoskeletal, and
abdominal scanning

Slide 4: Ultrasound Imaging Principle

• Piezoelectric crystals in the transducer emit sound waves
• Echoes from body tissues are received back and processed
• Real-time images are displayed on the monitor

Slide 5: Main Parts of the Ultrasound Machine

1. Transducer/Probe – sends and receives sound waves
 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – interprets signals
3. Control Panel – user interface
4. Display Monitor – visual output
5. Printer – for image documentation
6. Footswitch/Pedal – image capture (optional)
7. Peripheral Ports – data output, USB, etc.

Slide 6: Installation Procedure

• Pre-installation site checks: Room size, power supply, ventilation
• Unpacking & assembly: Follow manufacturer’s instructions
• Electrical safety test: Earth continuity, leakage current
• Software initialization and transducer connection
• Functional test: Image quality, probe function, freeze/unfreeze
• User orientation

Slide 7: Preventive Maintenance Tasks

• Daily:
o Clean transducers with approved disinfectants
o Inspect cables and probe lenses
• Weekly:
o Check image quality
o Clean air filters
• Monthly/Quarterly:
o Inspect internal fans and boards
o Verify software updates
• Annually:
o Perform detailed functionality tests
o Electrical safety testing

Slide 8: Disinfection and Cleaning

• Use only approved disinfectants (non-corrosive, non-alcoholic for probes)
• Avoid excessive moisture near control panel
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
• Disinfect after each patient in clinical use

Slide 9: Common Artifacts and Causes

 Artifact Likely Cause
Acoustic Shadow Bone or gallstone blocking the beam
Reverberation Multiple reflections within structures
Mirror Image Strong reflective surface (e.g. diaphragm)
Comet Tail Small metal objects or gas bubbles
Enhancement Fluid-filled structures (e.g. cysts)

Slide 10: Common Faults, Causes, and Solutions

Fault Possible Cause Solution
No image display Loose cable, faulty CPU Reconnect, repair CPU
Dirty probe, damaged
Blurred image Clean probe, replace transducer
transducer
Overheating Blocked fan, poor ventilation Clean vents, improve airflow
Freeze button not Restart system, update
Software glitch
working firmware
Poor Doppler signal Incorrect settings, probe issue Reconfigure, test/replace probe

Slide 11: Fault Diagnosis Procedure

1. Visual Inspection
2. User Error Check
3. Functional Testing
4. Probe Test & Image Quality
5. Software Logs Review
6. Manufacturer Consultation (if unresolved)

Slide 12: User Training

• Demonstrate power ON/OFF procedure
• Show how to select presets and use probe
• Explain image freeze/save
• Emphasize cleaning protocols
• Provide quick reference manual

Slide 13: Service Report Preparation

• Include:
o Date, Technician Name
o Equipment ID, Location
 o Description of Work Done
o Parts Replaced or Repaired
o Recommendations
• Must follow workplace SOP

Slide 14: Safety Precautions

Avoid liquid spillage into equipment
Use proper PPE during cleaning
Disconnect power before servicing
Use ESD protection when handling internal components
Comply with ISO/IEC 60601 standards

Slide 15: Summary & Review

• Components and function of ultrasound equipment
• Maintenance and disinfection steps
• Artifacts and fault troubleshooting
• User training and service documentation

Ultrasound Probes: Types, Frequencies & Applications

Slide 1: Learning objectives

By the end of this session, learners should be able to:
Identify common types of ultrasound transducers (probes)
Match each probe to its typical frequency range
Describe the clinical applications of each probe
Understand how frequency affects resolution and penetration

Slide 2: Introduction to Ultrasound Probes

• Transducers convert electrical energy into sound waves and back
• Probe selection depends on:
 o Target depth
o Resolution requirement
o Clinical application

Slide 3: Key Concepts – Frequency vs. Penetration

Frequency (MHz) Penetration Depth Image Resolution
Low (2–5 MHz) Deep tissues Lower resolution
High (7–15 MHz) Superficial tissues Higher resolution

Rule of Thumb: Lower frequency → deeper penetration

Higher frequency → better resolution but shallow depth

Slide 4: Convex (Curved Array) Probe

• Frequency: 2.5 – 5 MHz
• Shape: Curved footprint, wide field of view
• Applications:
Abdominal scanning
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Urology

Slide 5: Linear Probe

• Frequency: 7 – 15 MHz
• Shape: Flat, rectangular footprint
• Applications:
Vascular and musculoskeletal imaging
Thyroid and breast exams
Superficial structures (skin, tendons)

Slide 6: Phased Array Probe

• Frequency: 2 – 4 MHz
• Shape: Small footprint with electronic beam steering
• Applications:
Cardiac imaging (Echocardiography)
 Intercostal scanning
Emergency/critical care (FAST exams)

Slide 7: Endocavitary Probe

• Frequency: 5 – 9 MHz
• Shape: Thin, elongated for internal use
• Applications:
Transvaginal ultrasound
Transrectal ultrasound
Prostate and pelvic scans

Slide 8: 3D/4D Probe

• Frequency: 2 – 7 MHz
• Shape: Bulky, with motorized 3D scanning
• Applications:
Obstetrics (Fetal face, limbs)
Gynecology (uterus, ovaries)
Research and surgical planning

Slide 9: Pencil Probe (Continuous Wave Doppler)

• Frequency: 2 – 8 MHz
• Shape: Small, narrow tip
• Applications:
Vascular flow studies
Fetal heart monitoring
Peripheral artery disease diagnosis

Slide 10: Comparison Summary Table

Probe Type Frequency (MHz) Key Applications
Convex 2.5 – 5 Abdomen, OB/GYN, Urology
Linear 7 – 15 Vessels, MSK, Thyroid, Breast
Phased Array 2 – 4 Heart, FAST, Lungs
Endocavitary 5 – 9 Vaginal, Rectal, Prostate
Probe Type Frequency (MHz) Key Applications
3D/4D 2–7 Fetal imaging, Gynecology
Pencil (CW) 2 – 8 Doppler studies, Fetal heartbeat

Slide 11: Probe Handling and Care

• Never drop or strike the probe
• Clean with manufacturer-approved disinfectants
• Avoid cable twisting or folding
• Store in dry, secure holders
• Regular electrical safety and image quality checks

Slide 12: Practice Task

Hands-On Activity

• Identify each probe type on the demo machine

• Use preset modes to observe their image fields
• Match each probe to a corresponding clinical use
• Document your observations in a maintenance log

Slide 13: Quick Quiz (Optional Interactive Slide)

1. Which probe is most suitable for heart imaging?
 2. What is the best probe for scanning a neck lump?
3. Which probe provides the deepest penetration?

Slide 14: Summary

• Ultrasound probes vary by frequency, shape, and function
• Choosing the right probe is critical for accurate diagnostics
• Proper care ensures longevity and image quality
• Biomedical personnel must be familiar with probe types, maintenance, and
applications