User's Manual

Table Of Contents
107
 nde
 Transducer Maintenance
9
P6992-4, EN, 16/12/6
9  
Transducers
The transducer is the most important factor in image quality Optimal imaging cannot be obtained without
the correct transducer The system is optimized for use based on your transducer selection
Transducer Maintenance
Transducers require proper care, cleaning, and handling Reasonable care includes inspection,cleaning, and
disinfection or sterilization, as necessary Inspect the transducer, cable, and lens before each use Check for
cracks or other damage that jeopardizes the integrity of the transducer Report any transducer damage to
your Philips representative, and discontinue use of the transducer
For all information on transducer cleaning and disinfection, see Chapter 1 Transducer Care on
page 111
For all information about the use of acoustic coupling gels, see Ultrasound Transmission Gels on
page 11
If you encounter poor image quality or transducer problems, see Troubleshooting on page 123
Some ultrasound coupling gels, as well as some solutions for pre-cleaning, disinfecting, and
sterilizing can damage a transducer Before using a gel or solution on a transducer, see Ultrasound
Transmission Gels on page 11 or Chapter 1 Transducer Care on page 111 You can also
contact your local Philips representative For contact information, see Customer Serviceon
page 3
Acoustic artifacts
The transducer adds its own signature to the echo information in the form of beam width effects, axial
resolution limitations, and frequency characteristics The control choices made by the sonographer that
affect amplification, signal processing, and echo signal display can lead to significant differences in the
displayed appearance of echo data Following is a brief discussion of acoustic artifacts An understanding
of the physical basis for the production of signals displayed on ultrasound images is helpful in minimizing
artifacts on images and interpreting the results of studies
An artifact is an echo displayed in a different position than its corresponding reflector in the body
Artifacts can also be caused by intervening tissue properties Artifacts can originate from external noise,
reverberations, multi-path reflections, or misadjusted equipment They can also come from the ultrasonic
beam geometry and unusual changes in beam intensity Artifacts and their manifestations are listed below,
and following are some definitions of various artifacts
Added objects displayed as speckle, section thickness, reverberation, mirror image, comet tail, or ring
down
Missing objects due to poor resolution
Incorrect object brightness due to shadowing or enhancement
Incorrect object location due to refraction, multi-path reflections, side lobes, grating lobes,speed error,
or range ambiguity
Incorrect object size due to poor resolution, refraction, or speed error
Incorrect object shape due to poor resolution, refraction, or speed error