Asset Type

Ultrasound System

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

LOGIQ E Series

What This Guide Helps With

This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where the GE LOGIQ E Series ultrasound system produces poor image quality or visible artifacts. These issues may appear as:

• Grainy or noisy images
• Lines or dropouts in the image
• Shadowing or streaking artifacts
• Blurry or distorted anatomy
• Intermittent image loss

Many image quality problems are caused by probe issues, cable damage, improper settings, or poor probe contact rather than internal system failure.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Confirm the Reported Issue

• Ask the clinical user what they observed and when it occurred.
• Check if the issue appears:
  • On one probe or multiple probes
  • On a specific exam preset
  • Only during certain scans

This helps determine if the issue is probe-related, configuration-related, or system-wide.

2. Inspect the Probe for Physical Damage

• Visually inspect the probe and cable.
• Check for:
  • Cracks or separation in the probe head
  • Cuts, kinks, or exposed shielding in the cable
  • Fluid ingress near the probe face
  • Loose strain relief

Damaged probes commonly produce image artifacts or signal dropouts.

3. Clean the Probe Face

• Inspect the acoustic lens (probe face).
• Remove:
  • Dried gel
  • Debris
  • Residue from disinfectants

Contamination on the probe surface can distort the ultrasound beam and cause image artifacts.

4. Verify Proper Probe Connection

• Disconnect and reconnect the probe.
• Ensure:
  • The connector is fully seated in the probe port
  • The connector locking mechanism is secure
  • There is no debris in the probe port

A partially seated connector can cause signal loss or intermittent imaging artifacts.

5. Test with a Different Probe

• If available, connect another compatible probe.
• Observe whether the artifact persists.
• If the issue disappears, the original probe is likely faulty.
• If the issue remains, the problem may involve the system or port.

This is one of the most effective isolation steps.

6. Check System Imaging Settings

• Verify that the imaging preset and controls are appropriate.
• Review settings such as:
  • Gain
  • Depth
  • Focus position
  • Frequency
  • Dynamic range

Improper settings can sometimes appear as image degradation or artifacts.

7. Perform a System Reboot

• Restart the ultrasound system.
• This can clear:
  • Temporary software faults
  • Probe detection issues
  • Image processing errors

After rebooting, reconnect the probe and test again.

8. Test Multiple Probe Ports

• If the system has multiple probe ports, connect the probe to another port.
• If the artifact only occurs on one port, the issue may involve:
  • A damaged probe connector
  • Internal port hardware

9. Check for Environmental Interference

• Confirm that the system is not near equipment causing electrical interference.
• Examples include:
  • Electrosurgical units
  • Large motors
  • Poorly grounded equipment

Interference can occasionally introduce noise or artifacts in ultrasound imaging.

If the Problem Persists

If image artifacts remain after verifying probe condition, connections, and system settings, common external causes have been ruled out.

The issue may involve:

• Internal beamformer electronics
• Probe port hardware
• Signal processing components
• A failing ultrasound probe

At this point, the device should be:

• Removed from service
• Labeled Out of Service
• Sent for repair or bench evaluation

Recognizing when the issue likely requires internal repair is an important part of proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot an ultrasound imaging problem while the device is actively being used on a patient.

Move the patient to another ultrasound system before performing troubleshooting steps. This ensures patient care is not delayed and avoids introducing risk during diagnostic imaging.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
“User reported that the ultrasound image appeared grainy with horizontal lines during abdominal scans.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
“Inspection revealed damage to the probe cable near the strain relief causing intermittent signal loss.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
“Probe removed from service and replaced with a functional probe. Damaged probe sent for vendor repair.”

Helpful Details to Include

• Probe model used
• Whether issue occurred on multiple probes
• Probe port tested
• Image artifacts observed (lines, dropouts, noise)
• Probe cable condition
• System reboot performed
• Final device status

Final Thought

Ultrasound image quality issues are often caused by probes, connections, or configuration rather than internal system failure. A structured troubleshooting approach that begins with external inspections and simple tests helps isolate the true cause efficiently. Proper documentation and knowing when to remove equipment from service protects both patients and equipment reliability.

That is successful troubleshooting.