On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where the Philips EPIQ Series ultrasound system exhibits image dropout, streaking, shadowing, or other visual artifacts. Common presentations include:
- Intermittent black lines or missing portions of the image
- Streaks, noise, or distortion during imaging
- Poor or inconsistent image quality despite proper settings
These issues are often caused by external factors such as probe connection problems, cable integrity, or system settings before considering internal hardware failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Confirm Proper Probe Connection
- Ensure the probe is fully seated in the correct port.
- Inspect for dirt, debris, or bent pins.
- Loose or damaged probe connections often cause dropout artifacts.
Inspect Probe and Cable for Damage
- Visually check the entire probe cable for cuts, kinks, or fraying.
- Gently flex the cable while imaging to see if artifacts worsen, which may indicate internal wire breaks.
Swap with a Known Good Probe
- Connect a different probe compatible with the system to rule out probe-specific issues.
- If the artifact disappears, the original probe is likely the cause.
Check Imaging Settings
- Ensure gain, depth, focus, and frequency settings are appropriate for the exam.
- Reset to default presets to rule out misconfigured parameters affecting image display.
Inspect System Cables and Power
- Ensure system power is stable and that all external cables (power, network, display) are secure.
- Voltage fluctuations or loose connections may manifest as intermittent image issues.
Perform System Reboot
- Power down the system completely, wait 30 seconds, and power back on.
- Observe if artifacts persist, which helps rule out transient software glitches.
Run Built-in System Diagnostics
- Use the EPIQ self-test or probe test features if available.
- Document any error codes or warnings.
If the Problem Persists
After completing external checks, if artifacts continue:
- Remove the system from service
- Label Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Knowing when to escalate is proper Clinical Engineering troubleshooting. Do not attempt internal board-level repair.
Clinical Use Tip
- Do not perform patient imaging on a system showing dropout or artifacts.
- Move the patient to a backup device to ensure accurate diagnostics.
- Only troubleshoot when no patient is attached to the system.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Ultrasound image shows black lines and streaking during exams.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Probe cable shows intermittent signal; swapping with a known good probe resolved artifacts.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Defective probe removed from service and replaced. System tested with backup probe and imaging normal.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Probe type and serial number
- Specific artifact pattern (lines, dropouts, shadowing)
- Imaging settings used during artifact appearance
- Any alarm codes or system messages
- Final device status after troubleshooting
Final Thought
Clinical Engineering troubleshooting relies on systematic evaluation, starting with external checks and user-accessible solutions before considering internal repairs. Proper documentation ensures patient safety and maintains system reliability. Escalation to repair should be done promptly if artifacts cannot be resolved externally.
That is successful troubleshooting.