The Radiological Protection Study Group of the São Paulo Society of Radiology (SPR) had as its theme “The importance of quality control in Ultrasound for clinical practice”. Held on September 13th, the presentation was made by Daniel Silva de Souza, MD.

The definition of ultrasound and how it works were the first information given to contextualize the situation of most equipment in laboratories and hospitals.

The ultrasound equipment is composed of a control panel, with an average of three transducers (convex, linear and endocavitary) attached, each one used according to the type of examination. The computador connected to the system processes the information collected, creating a dynamic diagnostic image, which can be in brightness or doppler mode.

The main problems found in ultrasound are associated with the absence of routines for cleaning equipment and peripherals, corrective maintenance, image quality due to network electrical noise, especially in doppler mode, and training of technical assistants in the routines.

According to Normative Instruction 96, which regulates quality control, the equipment must undergo some annual tests, such as image uniformity, penetration depth, focal zone, low contrast sensitivity threshold and others. In addition, to maintain the quality and good functioning of the ultrasound, it’s recommended:

• Daily, weekly and monthly cleaning (according to the use of the components);
• Monthly physical-mechanical inspection;
• Half-yearly preventive maintenance;
• Corrective maintenance, when problems associated with image quality or components are found.