Ultrasound systems are a bit like laptops; sometimes it seems there’s a major issue when your machine just needs a bit of TLC. We sat down with our resident system expert Mike Gwin to discuss the most common clues that a system may need more than a reboot.

Sign 1: The System Feels Hot to the Touch

Generally, if your system feels too warm, it has a bad fan or the system needs to be blown out. When systems overheat, it can damage other components of the equipment. A simple fan replacement can do the trick to get it working again in no time.

Sign 2: The Probe Port Has a Weak Connection with the Probe

If the probe port is not connecting correctly with the probe, then it may seem like perfectly functioning probes are dysfunctional. Some slight adjustments can help.

Sign 3: Bouncy or Stiff Buttons

The buttons and/or dials malfunction and tend to get “bouncy” or stiff when they are about to give out. When you notice this happening, heed the warning and check to make sure the system doesn’t need new dials.

Sign 4: Denial

The machine is failing diagnostics. There are two types of diagnostics, user and tech. A user diagnostic test tests the functionality of the system, but won’t tell you what failed. Tech diagnostics tests the functionality of the system, and will tell you what specific function failed. You do need an administrative login to access that function.

Sign 5: Blurry Images

If you have blurry images, it could mean false artifacts or dropouts, and it could make you think the probe is bad when it’s not. A bad board could cause these issues.

So, what now?

Probo Medical offers refurbishment on all the systems that we sell. Click here to learn more about what we have to offer!

About the Author

Brian Gill is Probo Medical’s Vice President of Marketing. He has been in the ultrasound industry since 1999. From sales to service to customer support, he has done everything from circuit board repair and on-site service to networking and PACS, to training clinicians on ultrasound equipment. Through the years, Brian has trained more than 500 clinicians on over 100 different ultrasound machines. Currently, Brian is known as the industry expert in evaluating ultrasounds and training users on all makes and models of ultrasound equipment, this includes consulting with manufacturers with equipment evaluations during all stages of product development.