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Ultrasound QA Training Course : Probe Care Essentials

Multi-Medix will soon restart “face to face” ultrasound QA training courses, beginning with “Probe Care Essentials”.

When developing our courses we have started with what ultrasound users need and want. Our staff recently attended a BMUS study day and consulted with key individuals to ensure our QA course programmes achieve the desired outcomes:

• Attendees will learn how to prevent probe damage, minimising bills for the department.
• This bitesize course fits well into a lunchtime or clinical governance slot

What do I need to know about Probe Care?

The cornerstone to good quality assurance is effective probe care.  Our course “Probe Care Essentials” will cover the basics and demonstrate how it fits into the QA cycle.  This short hour course would take place either online or at your location.

Quality Assurance is not something that is just done by Medical Physics, Biomeds or your QA lead only. It is done by all these people and ultrasound users. QA requires a combined effort but it starts with the daily checks all sonographers and imaging assistants must attend to. The checks take minutes at the start of the day, but are critical to patient safety.

When did you last check your probes?

Yesterday? Last month? Can’t remember?

Quality Assurance is a core competency of ultrasound users.  Diagnostic Imaging Support Workers are expected to be

“Undertaking defined QA/QC checks on equipment, working to a set procedure/protocol (such as ultrasound equipment or image display monitors). Identify nonconformities, and record and report results appropriately”  AHP Support Worker Competency, Education and Career Development Framework:)

The BMUS/S0R Professional Guidelines for Professional Ultrasound Practise state (Section 2.9: Ultrasound Equipment and Quality Assurance Testing)

“An ultrasound practitioner is expected to:

1. Have detailed knowledge of ultrasound equipment in order to ensure that it is appropriate for purpose
2. Manipulate the equipment correctly so that patient diagnosis and management are not compromised
3. Take care when using the equipment in order to avoid damage
4. Ensure that regular planned preventative maintenance is carried out by qualified personnel
5. Ensure that an agreed quality assurance programme is in place that incorporates the regular inspection of ultrasound machines and ancillary equipment”

Ultrasound quality assurance is a legal activity so naturally requests for training and help did not stop because of the pandemic. The most common request was for a Probe Care course either because ultrasound users said they were looking for refresher training or considering developing an ultrasound QA programme in their department.

If you would like to request more information about Probe Care Essentials or our other training courses click here.