Also called: Ultrasound maintenance, Ultrasound service, Probe repair
Ultrasound Machine Maintenance and Service
Most ultrasound breakdowns start with a dropped probe, a crushed cable, a blocked fan or a power dip. A simple routine and the right service contract prevent most of them.
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Daily, weekly and monthly checks
| When | Check | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every day | Probe lens, housing and cable for cracks, cuts, swelling or a loose strain relief | A damaged probe cannot be disinfected properly and can cut or shock a patient |
| Every day | Probes back in holders, cables off the floor and clear of wheels | Drops and crushed cables are the most common cause of probe damage |
| Every day | Screen, keyboard, touch panel and trackball wiped with approved products | Gel and dust jam trackballs and controls |
| Weekly | Air filters and fan vents free of dust | Overheating causes shutdowns and shortens the life of circuit boards |
| Weekly | Power cord, plug and UPS status | Loose plugs and failing batteries cause sudden shutdowns |
| Monthly | A quick image check on each probe for dark vertical bands | The early sign of failed elements |
Probe testing and repair
Probes are the most expensive parts to replace and the most likely to be damaged, so they deserve their own routine.
Element dropout
Each probe has many tiny crystal elements. When some fail — often after a drop — dark vertical bands run down the image from the probe face. With a clean, dry probe in air and the gain turned up, gaps show in the bright reverberation lines near the top of the screen.
Formal probe testing
An engineer can test every element electronically and give you a written report. Ask for one at preventive maintenance, before a warranty ends and before buying or selling a used system.
Repair or replace
Lens, housing and cable faults can often be repaired; a badly damaged crystal array usually means replacement. Ask what warranty a repaired probe carries and whether a loaner probe is available meanwhile.
Read next Probe types and care
Preventive maintenance and electrical safety
- Follow the manufacturer’s preventive maintenance interval — often once or twice a year — carried out by a trained engineer.
- A visit should cover cleaning inside the unit, fans and filters, probe tests, image checks, software health and a written report.
- Electrical safety testing of the system and probes, for example to IEC 62353, checks earth continuity and leakage current. It matters most for endocavity and intraoperative probes.
- Keep every service report and test result in one file; auditors, accreditation bodies and future buyers all ask for them.
Software, power and environment
Software and backups
Install the updates the manufacturer releases, back up presets, report templates and stored studies, and export patient data before any service visit or hard-drive replacement.
Power
Use a dedicated earthed socket and a UPS sized for the system. Power dips and surges during thunderstorms can corrupt the hard drive or damage power boards.
Environment
Keep the room air-conditioned and dry, away from direct sun and dust. Humidity and dust clog fans and corrode connectors faster than many owners expect.
What a service contract should cover
| Item | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Preventive maintenance | How many visits a year, and what is checked at each? |
| Parts and labour | Are parts, labour and travel all included, or labour only? |
| Probes | Are probes covered against failure — and against accidental damage — or excluded? |
| Response time | How quickly does an engineer respond, and arrive, in your state? |
| Loaner equipment | Is a loaner probe or system provided while yours is repaired? |
| Software | Are software updates and security patches included? |
| End of support | Until what date will the manufacturer supply parts and probes for this platform? |
Read next Comparing ultrasound quotesChecks before buying used
Related guides
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Frequently asked questions
How often should an ultrasound machine be serviced?
Can a damaged ultrasound probe be repaired?
Are probes covered by an ultrasound service contract?
Why does my ultrasound machine shut down by itself?
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