1. ACR Ultrasound PM / Standards

2. ACR Accreditation This accreditation program involves the following:
Acquisition of clinical ultrasound images.
Personnel qualifications must be met for both
physicians and technologists.
The submission of physician reports related to
the ultrasound images.
Quality Control Program must be in place for
each ultrasound system in the facility.

3. ACR Accreditation Changes
New for 2014
Different forms
New tests / verifications
New mandatory frequency of testing

4. Sensitivity/Penetration Testing
To perform system sensitivity/penetration test, the following parameters should be selected:
• Maximum transmit power.
• Proper gain and TGC (time gain control) to produce an image
in the far field.
• Transmit focus set as deep as possible.
The maximum depth of visualization represents system’s
penetration capability.

5. Sensitivity/Penetration Testing
Measure to the noise floor

6. Image Uniformity Testing
To perform image uniformity test, adjust TGC / DGC and gain settings to obtain an image as uniform as possible. Note on the QC/Preventative maintenance form any of the following:
Dropouts
Vertical or radial streaks
Reduction in brightness near edges of the scan
Brightness transitions between focal zones

7. Image Uniformity Testing
Image artifact in near field of probe
Probe array?
Probe cable?
Probe pins/connector?
Connector board?
Front end board?

8. NEW: Geometric Accuracy
Commonly involves use of the scanner calipers to measure known distances between test targets. Measurement is required only in the mechanically scanned directions
The caliper readout of the distance between these two targets agrees to within 1.5 % or 1.5 mm, whichever is greater both axially (vertically) and laterally (horizontally)

9. Geometric Accuracy

10. NEW: Scanner Electronic Image Display Performance
Display characteristics that are evaluated may include gray scale response and luminance calibration, presence of pixel defects, and overall image quality
Completed
Not Completed

11. NEW: Primary Interpretation Display Performance
Display characteristics that are evaluated may include gray scale response and luminance calibration, presence of pixel defects, and overall image quality
Completed
Not Completed
N/A (Only required if located at the facility where ultrasound is performed.)

12. LCD Visual Inspection Brightness. Color clarity. Dead pixels.
Details of the image should not be difficult to see or dull.
Color clarity.
Colors should be brilliant and dissimilar.
Dead pixels.
Dead pixels are acceptable around the outer perimeter of the screen out of the viewing area.
General inspection.
Monitor should not have abnormalities in display area.
Utilize grayscale bar to ensure all shades of gray are displayed.
Whites should be white but not blooming.

13. Assurance of Electrical/Mechanical Safety
Make sure all cords and cables are intact
Make sure all transducers are intact without cracks or delaminating
Verify all transducers are being cleaned after each use
Make sure the image monitors are clean
Verify air filters are clean
Make sure the wheel locks are in working condition
Make sure the wheels are fastened securely to the US unit and they rotate easily
Make sure all accessories (VCR, cameras, etc.) are fastened securely to the US unit

14. New Forms for ACR Compliance
Summary page

15. New Forms for ACR Compliance
ACR worksheet page 1

16. New Forms for ACR Compliance
ACR worksheet page 2

17. Frequency
Annual Surveys are complete tests performed once a year by the medical physicist or designee to assess the performance of the equipment. Although the Annual Surveys include all of the same tests conducted during routine QC testing, it is intended to be more extensive. In addition, Annual Surveys include an evaluation of the facility’s routine QC program, if applicable. Routine QC testing is less extensive and is recommended to be performed semiannually by the facility’s sonographer (or a service engineer).

18. What is the benefit of a Conquest PM?

19. Customer Interview during a PM
Start your PM by talking to the customer and end it with talking to the customer.
Make sure you address all of your customer’s concerns before you leave the site. If you have to come back to finish the job, communicate that to the customer.

20. System Configurations
Print/capture DICOM settings
Print/capture licensed options/encrypted strings
Print/capture system S/N, SW revision, HW revision, system type, supported applications and PCB configuration.
Back up user presets and peripheral settings.

21. Mechanical / Visual Inspection
Perform visual inspection on the ultrasound system paying close attention to its user interface, trackball, lights, probes, casters, break assembly and peripherals.
Inspect system’s display and peripherals and make sure they are securely attached to the ultrasound unit.
Inspect and clean all air filters

22. Electrical / Safety Inspection

23. Transducer Leakage

24. Completing the PM
Document the outcomes of the PM. If the PM is not completed because of system/probe concerns, document your recommendations to resolve these issues on the PM report.
Fill out a complete PM service report with customer name, system type, and system serial number.
Discuss with the customer any items that need further attention
Attach a PM verification label to the system
Get a customer signature

25. Questions?