The Parts of a Basic Ultrasound Machine

An ultrasound machine uses high frequency sound waves and their resulting echoes to help determine the size, shape and depth of an abnormality. It allow various organs in the body to be examined right in the doctor's office or clinic.

A basic ultrasound machine has the following parts:



The Display - it is the most recognizable part of any unit. As the operator manipulates the transducer probe (we'll talk about that next), it send out and receives data that is processed by the CPU and it's software. That data is translated into visual information that displayed on the monitor or display. The clarity of the images depends on the age and resolution of the display.

Transducer Probe - The probe is the eyes and ears of the ultrasound. The probe sends sound waves into the patient and receives the reflected vibrations. As the vibrations travel into the patient, they bounce back at different intervals depending on what the bounce off of. The transducer probe collects this information and moves it along to the CPU.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) - The CPU is a computer that uses specialized software that interprets the sound waves that are returned to the transducer probe. It translated the data into an image or a series of images, allowing doctors and technicians to view the affected body part or parts.

The Keyboard - Since it is a specialized computer, ultrasound machines have a keyboard much like a regular computer. It allows the operator to enter patient information or particular findings during the procedure.

Hard Drive Storage - Like a regular computer, an ultrasound is capable of storing information for later retrieval. The information can be stored on the internal hard drive or on a CD or a DVD. the information can also be stored digitally and uploaded to the internet, so that it can be accessed from the office or anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Printer - During the ultrasound procedure, the operator can print images for later study or that can be taken home by the patient, usually by expecting parents.

Video Recorder - some ultrasound have the capability to record the procedure as it happens. This type of  recorder is specifically designed for medical applications. Its digital frame memory provides a noiseless, crystal clear "freeze" and is fully compatible with other S-VHS (or VHS) tape recordings. Like the printer, it allows expecting parents to take home a record of the development of their child.

Depending on the make and model of the ultrasound, there may be additional parts or options. Some suppliers offer options, like an endovaginal and endorectal transducers, that offer higher resolution than that of a traditional abdominal transducer. Because they can produce a scan close to the affected area, they can produce more accurate results. More features have been added to smaller, portable ultrasound machines, making them a versatile, powerful, lower-cost alternative for many doctors and clinics.

We should also mention the most important part of an ultrasound machine: the operator or sonographer. Sonographers are medical professionals who perform ultrasonic scans for diagnostic purposes. At times, the doctor and the sonographer are one in the same. The accuracy of the ultrasound exam and it's results are dependent on the operator's education, training, skill and experience. The more accurate the information from the exam, the more accurate the doctor's diagnosis can be. The best ultrasound equipment that money can buy isn't of much use unless you have the best qualified people operating it.

Do you have questions about a part of your ultrasound machine? Wave Imaging Solutions is a great place to turn to for questions and answers.

We are an OEM certified remanufacturer of used ultrasound equipment with cross-trained service professionals that are certified in multi-vendor capacities.

By adding the value of EOM Certification to our used ultrasound machines, our clients benefits from a very dependable ultrasound machine at a fraction of the price of a new one.

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