A quality control program for the routine monitoring of real-time ultrasound equipment is described. To be effective, the quality control program must incorporate performance tests that are most likely to detect common system problems. These selective tests include assessment of penetration, distance accuracy, uniformity, and fidelity of image recording. A tissue equivalent phantom with an attenuation rate of 0.7 dB/MHz/cm is recommended for quality control testing. Mechanical inspection of transducer housing, connector, power cord, and console must also be conducted.
1. Hedrick WR, Hykes DL, Starchman DE: Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, Third edition. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, 1995.
2.
2. Banjavic RA: Design and maintenance of a quality assurance program for diagnostic ultrasound equipment. Senin Ultrasound CT MR1983;4:10-26.
3.
3. Hykes DL, Hedrick WR, Milavickas LR, Starchman DE: Quality assurance for real time ultrasound equipment. Jouirnal of Diagnostic Medical Sonographl1986;2:121-133.
4.
4. Carson PL, Goodsitt MM: Pulse echo system specification, acceptance testing and QC, in Goldman LW and Foxvlkes JB (eds): Medical CT and Ultrasound: Current Technology and Applications. Advanced Madison, WI: Medical Publishing, 1995:155-195.
5.
5. Zagzebski JA, JIladsen EL: Ultrasound phantoms: Concepts and construction, in Goldman LW and Fowlkes JB (eds): Medical CT and Ultrasound: Current Technology and Applications. Madison, WI: Advanced Medical Publishing, 1995:121-142.
6.
6. Hedrick WR, Hykes DL: Photographic system quality control. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonograplh1993;9:62-66.
7.
7. Hedrick WR, Hykes DL: Image recording devices. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography1991;7: 56-63.
8.
8. Hedrick WR, Hykes DL: Image distortion caused by an improperly adjusted hardcopy camera. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography1993;9:180-183.
