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Machine Solutions

Cleaning and Disinfection

  • Ultrasounds used on clean, intact skin are considered non-critical devices and therefore subject to low level disinfection
  • Wipe excessive gel from equipment with a cotton or paper towel
  • Use Sani-Cloth AF3 grey top wipes, or Sani-Cloth Super purple top wipes
  • Do NOT use the orange top Sani-Cloth Bleach wipes as they will damage equipment

Transducer Troubleshooting

Pic of transducer connection

  • If multiple light or dark vertical lines are seen throughout image, crystals are broken and probe may need to be replaced if image quality is degraded.
    • Submit an image report using the QR code attached to each machine, or report to BioMed at ext. 55000

  • If the transducer doesn’t activate when selected, make sure the connection to the port on the back of the machine is secure.
    • If that isn’t successful, move the transducer to a different port

Charging Issues

  • Check to see if power cord or power supply port is damaged, and that the power cord is securely attached to the ultrasound device.
  • POCUS equipment batteries typically have a lifespan of 2 years and may need to be replaced if the battery does not hold a charge.
    • Submit an image report using the QR code attached to each machine, or report to BioMed at ext. 55000

Error Messages

Pic of GE power switch

  • Software errors occur for any number of reasons.
  • There is a known issue with GE machines suffering a spooling error that cannot be cleared.
    • End the exam if possible
    • Plug the machine in, and power cycle it
      • The power switch on GE machines is on the back, about 18 inches from the ground, behind a black rubber plug
    • If the issue persists, submit an image report using the QR code attached to each machine, or report to BioMed at ext. 55000. Be sure to make note of any numbers associated with the error in the report

Malfunction Reporting

  • Many ultrasound machine issues cannot be expediently fixed in the department. If you encounter an error, software, or hardware malfunction that renders the machine inoperable:
    • Submit an ultrasound service report using the QR code affixed to each machine. These codes are unique, so do not scan one from a different machine
    • They are usually located on the left side or back of the equipment
    • The name, model, and inventory numbers will prepopulate for you. Fill in the text fields with as much detail as possible
    • Alternatively, you can also report the machine to BioMed at ext. 55000
    • If the machine no longer functions, power it down, plug it in, and tag it out-of-service

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