Highlights
- •The paperclip test for element failure was adapted for multi-row arrays.
- •The test uses a tool with a narrow cross section in all directions.
- •8 of 28 phased arrays in clinical use were found to be faulty.
- •No faults were found on 3 curvilinear and 2 linear arrays.
- •Probe tester identified defects were confirmed on phased and linear arrays.
Abstract
Purpose
A simple “paperclip test” for the function of individual elements in a diagnostic
ultrasound transducer array is widely performed and has been adapted for phased arrays.
The aim of this study was to adapt the test further for multi-row transducer arrays.
Methods
An embossing tool was used in place of the usual paperclip or metal rod and was slowly
moved along the transducer array, attempting to isolate the signal from each row in
turn. Phased array transducers were operated in M-mode. Non-functioning elements were
identified by a reduction in amplitude of the reverberation line. The test was repeated
several times for each transducer, ensuring that all non-functioning elements were
identified and looking for consistency of results. 28 phased arrays and 5 linear/curvi-linear
arrays in clinical use and 1 phased array and 1 linear array already identified as
faulty by electronic transducer testing, and not in clinical service, were available
for testing.
Results
8 of the clinical phased arrays were found to have 1 or more faulty elements; 3 had
only minor defects and 5 were replaced under warranty or service contract. The linear/curvi-linear
arrays showed no fault. The adapted test showed the failed elements in the known faulty
phased array, except at the end of the array, but weak elements were not detected.
The faulty linear array had a block of failed outer elements which was identified
by the test.
Conclusions
The adapted test is capable of detecting non-functioning elements in multi-row arrays,
but weak elements were not detected.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 21, 2021
Accepted:
April 1,
2021
Received in revised form:
March 30,
2021
Received:
January 28,
2021
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. All rights reserved.
