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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots failed ultrasound calibration or quality-control checks caused by setup, probes, test equipment, configuration, environment, or persistent system performance problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Determine Clinical Impact
If the failed QC or calibration test calls imaging accuracy or performance into question, do not use the affected V8 or probe for clinical imaging until the failure is understood and resolved.
Provide another verified ultrasound system when necessary.
Expected outcome: Clinical imaging does not continue on equipment with unverified performance.
2. Identify the Exact Test That Failed
Record:
- Name of the calibration or QC test
- Probe used
- Test equipment or phantom used
- Exact failure message or observed abnormality
- Whether the test previously passed
- Whether the problem is repeatable
- Whether one or multiple probes are affected
Do not substitute an invented acceptance criterion if the approved procedure is unavailable.
Expected outcome: The failed test is clearly identified and can be repeated under controlled conditions.
3. Verify the Test Procedure and Setup
Confirm that the test is being performed according to the applicable manufacturer, organizational, or approved QC procedure.
Check:
- Correct probe
- Correct test object or phantom
- Correct setup and positioning
- Correct imaging mode
- Correct approved configuration
- Appropriate coupling
- Stable test environment
Expected outcome: The test setup matches the approved procedure.
4. Inspect the Probe and Connections
Examine the probe, cable, strain relief, and connector for damage. Reseat the probe connection when appropriate.
A damaged or intermittent probe can produce a QC failure without an internal system fault.
Expected outcome: Probe integrity and connection are verified, or a defective probe is isolated.
5. Verify Test Equipment Condition
Inspect the QC phantom, test fixture, cables, sensors, or other test equipment used.
Confirm it is the appropriate equipment for the procedure and that its condition or calibration status is acceptable under your department's program.
Expected outcome: Test equipment is suitable and not responsible for an invalid failure.
6. Repeat the Test Under Controlled Conditions
Repeat the approved test after correcting any setup, connection, or environmental issue.
Do not repeatedly adjust calibration merely to force a passing result.
Expected outcome: The test passes consistently. If it does, document the identified cause, complete required verification, and stop troubleshooting.
7. Compare With a Known-Good Probe When Appropriate
If the failed test is probe-dependent, repeat the relevant approved QC check using a known-good compatible probe if the procedure permits.
Expected outcome: The comparison isolates the failure to the original probe or demonstrates a broader system problem.
8. Review Accessible Configuration
Verify that normal user-accessible or department-approved configuration has not been unintentionally changed.
Do not enter unauthorized service menus or alter calibration coefficients without manufacturer-approved service procedures.
Expected outcome: No inappropriate accessible configuration is contributing to the failure.
9. Evaluate Repeatability
A single anomalous result can arise from poor setup or test conditions. A repeated failure under controlled conditions is more significant.
Repeat only as permitted by the approved procedure and document the results.
Expected outcome: The test either passes reproducibly or demonstrates a consistent failure requiring escalation.
10. Escalate Repeated QC or Calibration Failure
If the V8 or probe repeatedly fails an approved QC or calibration test after external factors are ruled out, remove the affected equipment from service.
Do not perform unauthorized internal calibration or board-level repair.
Expected outcome: Equipment with unverified performance is escalated for qualified evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
Common setup, probe, connection, test-equipment, environmental, and accessible-configuration causes have been ruled out. The remaining issue may involve probe performance, internal acquisition electronics, calibration data, software, or other service-level conditions.
The affected Samsung Healthcare V8 or probe should be:
- Removed from service as appropriate
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using current approved Samsung Healthcare procedures and appropriate test equipment
- Calibrated, repaired, or configured only by qualified personnel
Return to service only after the failed test has been repeated successfully and all applicable performance and safety checks are complete.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A repeatable QC failure should be treated as a performance-verification issue even when the system appears to produce clinically recognizable images.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that a routine image-quality QC check on the Samsung V8 failed when performed with one probe."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that the failure followed the reported probe while the same approved QC setup passed with a known-good compatible probe."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the affected probe from service, repeated the approved QC check successfully with the known-good probe, and returned the V8 to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact QC or calibration test
- Probe used
- Test equipment or phantom
- Exact failure result or message
- Test-equipment status
- Setup and positioning
- Known-good probe comparison
- Environmental conditions
- Repeat test results
- Final device and probe status
Final Thought
A failed QC test should be investigated by validating the procedure, probe, setup, test equipment, and environment before assuming internal failure. Persistent failures require qualified escalation and documented successful retesting before clinical release.
That is successful troubleshooting.