Top 5 tips!
If you need any support or guidance on your Ultrasound machine, speak to our servicing department, or refer to your manual!
The following tips have been brought to us from our experience servicing these systems but also provided by our expert Clinical Advisory Board.
1. Daily, visual checks
Before starting your daily examinations, turn on your system and ensure all connections are plugged in properly.
Check carefully the integrity of the visible external wiring and cables, as well as doing a visual check on your ultrasound transducers.
If you find any damaged, kinked, or frayed areas, replace them with backup supplies or immediately contact your servicing representative.
2. Check the condition of your transducers
If you have read our How to pick the right transducer for your Diagnostic Ultrasound blog, you will know that the transducer is a vital part of the ultrasound system. If they break, your machine won’t work!
- To ensure you get the best image possible, you will need to check them regularly.
- Before each use, perform a visual check of the transducer and its connection to the ultrasound machine.
- See if there are any cracks/kinks or other damage on the cable.
- Check the transducer itself for any visible damage.
It is important you follow the correct cleaning protocols and be aware of what you use when cleaning and disinfecting the probes.
Ensure they are compatible with the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid unwanted, avoidable damages.
To learn more about the best way to look after your transducers, you can read our more detailed blog here.
3. Be proactive
At the end of each scanning clinic, wipe the ultrasound machine thoroughly. If you notice any faults/issues during any of your examinations, take note of this immediately and provide feedback to your manufacturer servicing support.
Some things may be a software error, but others could be indications of parts wearing out, and the sooner we catch them, the easier (and cheaper) it is to manage.
4. Backup your system
Performing a full backup of your system on a regular basis is considered best practice. This will help reduce downtime if the system fails due to software and/or hardware problems.
By backing up your presets and other user preferences, you will be able to fully recover your system within a few hours.
Without the backup, it could take days to recover.
5. Regularly service your ultrasound machine
Like any computer, the system’s performance will slow over time.
It is important to plan preventive maintenance and cleaning by the manufacturer-certified service representative.
An experienced engineer will perform tests, update software, clean and check to see how your system is performing and return it to great condition.
Check to see if the service includes an internal clean. This is the cleaning of filters, air intakes, and brackets which can be crucial in preventing future failures and is often overlooked.
At a minimum, your ultrasound system should be serviced every 12 months. If it is used more regularly, then you may need to have it serviced every 6 months.
It isn’t much to do to ensure you are maintaining your ultrasound machine.
When investing in this technology, it is best to get into these “good habits.” Doing these simple things will protect your investment and keep your ultrasound system running as smoothly as possible to provide safe
and reliable patient care.
To learn more about Physiquipe’s servicing options and the futureproof guarantee, speak to our team, who are always happy to answer your questions!