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The Acertara Advantage: Precision Testing for Patient Safety

Precision testing plays a crucial role in the medical device industry, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and enhancing patient safety and treatment outcomes. In the field of ultrasound technology, precision testing extends beyond basic functionality checks to include detailed evaluations of each component, particularly at the acoustic element level of a probe. This approach objectively validates performance, safety, and reliability, which are vital for delivering high-quality patient care. At Acertara, we lead this effort having seen the ways precision testing can directly translate into improved patient treatment outcomes. Here’s what we’ve learned.

What is precision testing?

Precision testing in ultrasound devices is a comprehensive evaluation process to verify the performance of every component within the system, as well as the system as a whole. This ensures devices operate within their intended parameters, delivering consistent and reliable results that are essential for effective diagnostics and treatment planning.

The core of precision testing is the detailed examination of each piezoelectric element in the ultrasound probe. This process includes several critical evaluations:

• Acoustic output measurement ensures each crystal produces the correct level of acoustic energy, which is essential for accurate imaging.
• Electrical impedance testing assesses the electrical characteristics of each element to verify efficient and consistent operations.
• Phase and frequency response analyzes each element to detect inconsistencies that could affect imaging quality.
• Pulse-echo testing evaluates the probe’s ability to accurately transmit and receive ultrasound waves.
• Harmonic imaging assessment evaluates the probe’s capability to produce harmonic frequencies, enhancing image resolution and clarity.
• Bandwidth and frequency range metrics ensure probes operate across the intended frequency spectrum, allowing for versatile diagnostic capabilities.
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measures the clarity of the ultrasound signal amid background noise to reduce the likelihood of imaging errors and enhance resolution.
• Impedance matching verifies optimal energy transfer between the probe and the system, minimizing reflection losses and ensuring maximum efficiency.

Precision testing directly influences patient care quality by ensuring repaired ultrasound devices operate at peak performance.

Benefits to patient care

Precision testing is a cornerstone in advancing patient care, ensuring ultrasound devices deliver clear and accurate images. When ultrasound devices are rigorously tested, the risk of misdiagnoses is reduced, leading to better patient outcomes and minimizing the chances of unnecessary testing or incorrect treatments. The reliability of these devices in producing high-quality images also plays a critical role in optimizing surgical procedures, allowing for more precise interventions and targeted therapies. In many cases, this can help eliminate the complications associated with invasive procedures while shortening recovery times, contributing to overall improved patient experiences.

The consistent performance of ultrasound technology — as ensured by precision testing — also fosters greater trust among patients. High-quality imaging reassures patients about the accuracy of their diagnoses and the reliability of their treatment plans, encouraging them to comply with recommended healthcare strategies.

Acertara’s leadership in precision testing, supported by advanced tools and unparalleled expertise, sets the benchmark for quality and safety in ultrasound technology, leading to breakthrough innovations, as well as enhanced healthcare outcomes and experiences for patients.

Acertara’s solutions

• ATLAS™ Ultrasound Probe Tester facilitates detailed analysis of each piezoelectric element, precisely identifying potential faults. It provides fast, accurate diagnostics with test results available in less than one minute, minimizing device downtime. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of flat and curved, and phased array probes, enhancing its applicability across different ultrasound technologies.
• AmpSafe Leakage Current Test Unit measures leakage current to ensure electrical safety across various probe models. It offers predictive maintenance capabilities to prevent future failures, ensuring continuous performance and safety.
• Acoustic Measurement System (AMS) provides comprehensive acoustic power testing using advanced positioning systems and reporting software. AMS also ensures ultrasound devices meet regulatory standards and performance requirements.

Where can hospital suppliers go from here?

For hospital suppliers and healthcare providers, precision testing is vital for ensuring the reliability and safety of ultrasound equipment.

• Prioritize precision testing. Invest in ultrasound devices that have undergone rigorous precision testing to ensure better patient outcomes and reduce liability from device failures or inaccuracies.
• Collaborate with experts. Partner with industry leaders like Acertara to gain technical support and guidance, ensuring devices meet all regulatory and performance standards.

• Stay updated on regulatory compliance. Regularly review and understand current FDA Guidance to ensure medical devices meet all necessary regulatory requirements.
• Keep informed about technological advances. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in testing technology and ultrasound standards to continuously offer the best products to healthcare providers.

Improve patient safety with the Acertara advantage

Precision testing is indispensable for the safe and effective use of ultrasound technology in healthcare. By focusing on the details of device performance, such as element-level functionality, hospital suppliers and third-party medical device repair companies can significantly enhance patient care and safety. With Acertara’s advanced solutions and expertise in precision testing, you can ensure optimal ultrasound performance and compliance. As the healthcare industry advances, the role of precision testing in patient care will continue to grow, making it an integral component of medical device maintenance and — by extension — patient care.