EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Ultrasound probe repair

This may work for standard equipment service and repairs but I don't know of any OEM that provides training in the repair of probes.

Probes are either replaced with new parts of returned to the factory for repair, where they will have all the original specifications and test equipment to assure the repaired probe meets all of the requirements and will be certified as safe for clinical use.

If you put a probe into service without such backing then in any subsequent legal action, when for example a mis-diagnosis occurs, you could end up with a big bill or prison sentence!

Caveat Emptor!

I'm no expert, but I doubt there are too many radiologists around who are going to misdiagnose a condition by mistaking an artifact caused by a faulty probe (which are usually pretty obvious in my experience) for something more serious.

Also, the last time I was at [3rd-Party Service Provider] I was quite impressed by their nifty probe testing equipment. I doubt that any OEM has anything much better.

Lastly, during some of my experiences in the ... umm ... Third World (many years ago, admittedly) I came across a fair number of cases where sonographers were able to carry on doing useful work simply by being aware of the "straight black lines", or "black dots" (etc.), created by what were obviously partially defective probes. They would make allowances for the defects, change the position of the probe, and try again a few times "just to be sure".

I'm not saying it's right; but just reminding of what can sometimes be the reality of the situation in some parts of the world.

On your last point Mike ... can you provide a citation (Chapter and Verse) where any of that has actually happened?

I am still open to using a 3rd party provider less one that has already been tried and found to be wanting on many levels.Anyhow lots of good points being raised and food for thought, will keep you informed how we get on.

DW - No longer working for the dark side

How about http://www.mvs.bayer.com/depot-repair/ultrasound-transducers/standard-2d-transducers/

I believe they are linked to the Medrad multi vendor service

Malcolm.

the european link...
http://www.mvs.bayer.com/about-us/europe/

Hardly inspiring from the pictures!

One guy praying in front of a probe, with only a light and desolder pump for company. Another using a microscope to work put how to get inside the probe and the last one deciding if any of theses old machines can be flogged on eBay.

Where are the bench tops full of test equipment and phantoms?

....we recently had a TEE probe repaired OEM(GE USA)we've had to return the probe two times due to faults occurring within days of it going back into service.

ps don't knock the Sonos 4500/5500 still going strong after all these years....tell him Geoff!!!

Don't knock it Mate ... sometimes you need all the help you can get!

Did you take a look at the "Take a Tour" video? Their set-ups look pretty solid to me.

Anyway Mike, what's your response to Darth's original post? Who (or what approach) do you recommend?

@Malcolm: yes, I guess that many of us would agree that the old kit is often better (more reliable, maintainable etc.).

I'll freely admit to not always being overly impressed by most of the modern gee-whiz kit - most of which reveals itself to be just another load of tat once the covers come off (if you can actually get them off - without leaving a trail of destruction - that is).

Medix is proving very helpful, looking favourite at the minute.

DW - Will keep you informed on how it is going.

Good morning.
Aside from Ultrasound probe repairs, do any of you know of a decent bladder scanner probe repair service away from the manufacturer. I am getting frustrated with paying extortionate amounts of money for a product that will inevitably break down/get damaged once more. There seem to be a few repair companies in the USA but i cant seem to locate any in the UK. Any help is appreciated.