Guidelines For Professional Working Standards Ultrasound Practice

1.2 Ultrasound Equipment And Quality Assurance Testing
The sonographer is expected to:
• have detailed knowledge of ultrasound equipment in order to ensure that it is appropriate for
purpose
• manipulate the equipment correctly so that patient diagnosis and management are not
compromised
• ensure that an agreed quality assurance programme is in place that incorporates the regular
inspection of ultrasound machines and auxiliary equipment
The stated aim of quality assurance procedures applied to ultrasound equipment is to ensure consistent
and acceptable levels of performance of the imaging system and image recording facilities. Most
quality assurance protocols focus on the consistency of specific features of image quality over time.
The acceptability of image quality may not be apparent from measurable changes in the parameters
tested. The issue of what constitutes unacceptable equipment performance is still very difficult to assess
objectively. In the absence of nationally accepted performance standards for ultrasound equipment, local
and subjective evaluation is required.
This programme should include a policy on:
1
• electrical safety tests carried out at least once a year by qualified personnel
• baseline/acceptance testing of all new or upgraded equipment, and following major repair
• user tests including weekly inspection of cables, transducers, monitor and image recording
facilities
A quality assurance programme should be developed in discussion with medical physics or service
engineers, for each individual machine. This should be based on its clinical uses, the modes and functions
utilised, the transducer types and frequencies and the auxiliary equipment attached. The programme
should indicate clearly the limits of acceptability for each test, what and by whom action should be taken
when these are exceeded.
The sonographer’s responsibilities in relation to the ultrasound equipment should include:
• appropriate selection for the examination and awareness of its limitations within that clinical context
• manipulation of the controls to maximise the clinical information observed
• awareness of system artefacts and how to interpret their appearances
• ensuring that the equipment is suitably maintained to provide optimal images
• ensuring that all transducers are appropriately prepared and cleaned according to the
manufacturers’ guidelines, with especial reference to intra-cavitary probes
• awareness of and adherence to local infection control procedures
• ensuring that the recorded image is an accurate record of the displayed real-time information
• following the proper shut-down procedure for the equipment, so that stored data and settings are
not corrupted or lost
• inspection for electrical and mechanical safety, ensuring that apparently unsafe equipment is not
used until it has been checked and repaired
• agreement of equipment performance criteria for each type of examination undertaken.
(This should be updated regularly, in line with new developments in equipment carry performance)
• reporting any concerns in relation to the performance of specific equipment
• awareness of current guidelines regarding the replacement of ultrasound equipment
References
1. MHRA Device Bulletin DB2006(05) “Managing Medical Devices: Guidance for healthcare and social services organisations”,
Nov. 2006. Available at www.mhra.gov.uk/Home → Publications → Safety guidance → Device Bulletins
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