On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots probe-specific image degradation caused by coupling, contamination, damage, connector problems, settings, cable faults, or transducer failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patient Care and Confirm the Image Problem
Do not continue a diagnostic examination using an image that is clearly degraded or unreliable. Move to another verified probe or system if imaging quality could affect clinical decisions.
Determine whether the problem is dropout, vertical or horizontal artifact, excessive noise, poor penetration, missing image regions, or generally poor image quality.
Expected outcome: The symptom is clearly defined and can be evaluated using a phantom or other approved test target. If normal image quality is restored and verified, troubleshooting can stop.
2. Confirm the Problem Is Limited to One Probe
Test another known-good compatible probe on the same Venue Go using an appropriate test target.
Compare image stability and overall appearance.
Expected outcome: If another probe images normally, the issue is likely associated with the suspect probe, its cable, or connector. If all probes show similar artifacts, broaden evaluation to the system and environment.
3. Inspect the Probe Face and Housing
Inspect the acoustic lens, probe housing, and patient-contact surfaces for cuts, delamination, cracking, swelling, contamination, or other abnormal conditions.
Do not continue testing a probe with compromised patient-contact surfaces or suspected fluid intrusion.
Expected outcome: The probe surface is intact and safe. Physical damage requires removal from service.
4. Verify Coupling and Test Technique
Apply appropriate ultrasound coupling media to a phantom or suitable test target and ensure complete contact without avoidable trapped air.
Do not diagnose probe failure from an image obtained with poor coupling.
Expected outcome: Adequate coupling produces a stable image. If the artifact disappears after correcting coupling, the problem is resolved.
5. Inspect the Probe Cable and Connector
Inspect the cable and strain reliefs for cuts, crushing, kinks, stiffness, or areas associated with intermittent artifact. Inspect the connector for contamination, bent contacts, or incomplete seating.
Reseat the connection properly.
Expected outcome: The connection is secure and normal cable movement does not alter the image. If movement consistently creates dropout, remove the probe from service.
6. Check Basic Imaging Controls
Verify that gain, depth, focus, frequency selection where user-accessible, and other normal imaging controls are set reasonably for the test target.
Compare with a known-good preset or comparable system without making unauthorized configuration changes.
Expected outcome: Poor image quality is not being caused by an inappropriate user setting. If returning normal controls to an appropriate state restores the image, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
7. Check for Environmental Interference
Observe whether artifacts change when nearby powered equipment, chargers, or other potential sources of electrical interference are disconnected or moved when safe to do so.
Use another location or approved power source when practical.
Expected outcome: The artifact is not caused by the immediate environment. If the artifact disappears after eliminating an external interference source, verify repeatability before closing the work order.
8. Cross-Test the Suspect Probe
When approved, test the suspect probe on another known-good compatible ultrasound system or compare it directly with an equivalent known-good probe.
Expected outcome: If the artifact follows the probe, the probe should be removed from service. If the artifact remains with the original system, escalate the Venue Go for further evaluation.
9. Perform Final Image Verification
Use an appropriate ultrasound phantom or other approved test target to confirm that image uniformity, stability, and probe response are acceptable for clinical use.
Do not claim calibration solely because an image appears visually improved unless calibration was actually performed with the required procedure and test equipment.
Expected outcome: Image quality remains stable and the original artifact is absent. Troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Persistent Image Artifacts
If dropout or artifact remains after coupling, settings, connections, environmental conditions, and probe comparisons are ruled out, remove the suspect probe or system from service.
Expected outcome: Potentially unreliable diagnostic imaging equipment is not returned to use without appropriate service evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes including coupling, contamination, cable damage, connector seating, settings, environmental interference, and comparative probe testing have been addressed. The remaining cause may involve internal transducer elements, probe electronics, system receiver circuitry, software, or other service-level imaging components.
Remove the affected equipment from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for appropriate bench or vendor evaluation. Use GE Healthcare documentation and approved ultrasound test equipment. Internal repairs should be completed only by qualified personnel.
Return to service only after successful imaging verification and any required electrical or performance testing.
Knowing when image quality remains too uncertain for clinical use is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
If an artifact could be mistaken for anatomy or obscure anatomy, immediately substitute a verified probe or ultrasound system.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Staff reported a persistent band of dropout when using one Venue Go probe."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering reproduced the dropout on a phantom and confirmed it followed the suspect probe while another compatible probe imaged normally."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering removed the defective probe from service, installed an approved replacement, and verified stable phantom imaging."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Probe involved
- Description and location of artifact
- Phantom or test target used
- Coupling condition
- Probe lens and cable condition
- Connector inspection
- Imaging settings observed
- Known-good probe comparison
- Environmental checks
- Final image verification
Final Thought
Protect diagnostic integrity, rule out coupling, settings, environment, and external probe damage before assuming an internal failure, verify correction with an appropriate test target, escalate unresolved artifacts, and document the comparison results clearly.
That is successful troubleshooting.