Answers to the questions we’re asked most often about ultrasound probe testing, repair, replacement and care. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us on 1300 611 503 (international +61 8 6114 5406) or email [email protected].
About ProbeLogic
Who is ProbeLogic?
ProbeLogic is an Australian company that tests, repairs and replaces diagnostic ultrasound probes (transducers). We were founded in 2002 and are based in Midvale, Perth, Western Australia. Our team has over 80 years of combined experience in diagnostic ultrasound and biomedical engineering, and we work with hospitals, imaging clinics, echo labs and theatres across Australia and New Zealand. ProbeLogic is a Corporate Member of the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA).
Is ProbeLogic ISO certified?
Yes. ProbeLogic is certified under ISO 13485:2016 (quality management for medical devices) and ISO 9001:2015.
Which areas do you service?
We service all of Australia and New Zealand from our Perth laboratory, and can arrange courier collection of your probe from anywhere in both countries. Outside Australia and New Zealand, ProbeLogic-trained probe repair laboratories operate in the United Kingdom and Europe (Imagex Medical), India (ProbeLab India) and the USA (Advanced Ultrasound Systems, Tulsa, Oklahoma). Contact details for each are on our Contact page.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Perth time (AWST).
Probe Repairs
Can ultrasound probes be repaired?
Yes. Ultrasound probes are no longer disposable. Around 2 out of 3 probes thought to be “faulty” can be successfully repaired and returned to service, at a fraction of the cost of a new probe from the manufacturer.
Which brands of ultrasound probe do you repair?
We repair most brands of ultrasound transducer, including GE HealthCare, Philips, Siemens/Acuson, Canon/Toshiba, Samsung Medison, Hitachi/Aloka, Sonosite and B&K. If your brand isn’t listed, contact us and we’ll let you know whether we can help.
Which types of probe do you repair?
We repair linear, curved (convex), phased array (cardiac), endocavity, TEE/TOE (transoesophageal) probes used in cardiology, echo labs and theatres, and 3D/4D probes of all types.
Do you repair TEE/TOE probes?
Yes. TEE/TOE probe repair is one of our specialties. Common TEE/TOE repairs include bending rubber replacement, articulation wire replacement, insertion tube repairs and insertion tube recoating and relabelling, as well as lens and electrical repairs. Every TEE/TOE probe is electrically safety tested and functionally tested before it is returned.
What are the most common probe repairs?
The repairs we carry out most often are lens replacement, strain relief replacement, cable repair, case repair, connector repair, bending rubber replacement, articulation wire replacement, insertion tube repairs, and insertion tube recoat/relabel.
How much does an ultrasound probe repair cost?
It depends on the probe and the fault, so we evaluate every probe and provide a quote for your approval before any work is done. In most cases a repair costs only a fraction of the price of a new probe from the original manufacturer.
Is it better to repair or replace an ultrasound probe?
Repair is usually the more cost-effective choice, and roughly 2 out of 3 “faulty” probes can be repaired. If a probe can’t be repaired economically, we’ll tell you honestly and can quote a replacement probe instead. Our aim is to make repair the first choice and replacement the option only when it’s genuinely needed.
Do repaired probes come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repaired probe is returned with a detailed repair and test report and warranty details. General equipment servicing and repairs are covered by our three-month warranty.
Can I get a loan probe while mine is being repaired?
Loan probes are available where possible. Ask us when you arrange your repair.
Is a damaged lens or worn seal worth repairing straight away?
Yes. A cut in the lens or a gap in the seals lets fluid (such as gel and disinfectant) into the probe head. This corrodes the acoustic array and electronics, creates a cross-contamination risk for patients, and can create an electrical safety hazard. Left untreated, a small, inexpensive lens or seal repair can turn into a much more expensive repair, or leave the probe uneconomical to repair.
Sending Us Your Probe
How do I send my probe to ProbeLogic for repair?
Fill in our Organise to collect my probe form and we’ll arrange a courier to collect it, usually between 10:00am and 4:30pm local time. You can also arrange your own shipping to 75 Farrall Road, Midvale WA 6056; just let us know so we can watch for its arrival. Please include the probe’s make, model and serial number, a description of the fault and any troubleshooting you’ve already done.
What happens after my probe arrives?
- We confirm safe receipt of your probe.
- Our engineers evaluate it using our four-step testing process.
- We send you a quote for repair or replacement for your approval.
- Once approved, we carry out the repair (or source a replacement) and fully test the probe again.
- We return the restored probe with a detailed report and warranty details.
How long does a probe repair take?
Turnaround depends on the probe and the repair needed, and we’ll give you an estimate with your quote. We aim for a fast turnaround, and some customers on the east coast have their probe collected, repaired in Perth and returned within the week.
Is my probe insured while it’s being couriered?
Yes. Equipment sent using a courier arranged by ProbeLogic is covered under ProbeLogic’s insurance policy while in transit. We recommend packaging probes securely, labelling them clearly and photographing them before dispatch. See our Courier Service Disclaimer for details.
Probe Testing
Why should ultrasound probes be tested regularly?
Many probe faults aren’t obvious to sonographers or service engineers during scanning. Our experience shows that around 25% of probes on ultrasound systems aged two years or more have some form of internal structural defect. Routine testing finds these faults early, before they affect image quality, patient safety or repair costs.
How often should ultrasound probes be serviced?
We recommend having your probes tested and serviced at least every two years, and sooner if you notice any of the warning signs below.
What does ProbeLogic’s probe testing involve?
Every probe goes through a four-step process:
- Visual inspection of the case, cable, lens and connector for physical damage.
- Digital analysis of the probe’s electrical and acoustic properties using ProbeLogic’s Digital Analyser.
- Electrical safety testing, which is especially important for intracavitary probes.
- Probe-specific testing relevant to the make, model or fault, such as 3D probe functionality testing, TEE/TOE functionality testing, pneumatic leak testing, machine fault testing and microscopy.
What are the signs that an ultrasound probe needs servicing?
- Artefacts, dropout, noise or interference in the image.
- Cuts, tears or crushing on the cable or cable sheath (often from being run over by the machine’s wheels).
- Cuts, bubbles, peeling or discolouration of the lens.
- Cracks in the case or seams that are separating.
- Difficulty plugging the connector in, stiff latches or bent pins.
- Gel or fluid seeping from the probe head, or oil leaking from a 3D/4D probe.
- A dropped probe, even if it seems to work normally afterwards.
Probe Care & Cleaning
How should I clean my ultrasound probe?
Always follow the probe manufacturer’s cleaning and disinfection guidelines first and foremost, together with the ACIPC/ASUM Guidelines for Reprocessing Ultrasound Transducers. Pre-clean to remove gel and debris before any disinfection, use only cleaning products and disinfectants approved for your exact probe model, and never immerse a probe beyond the level the manufacturer allows.
Can I use alcohol to clean my ultrasound probe?
Most probe manufacturers warn against alcohol-based products. Repeated exposure to alcohol reacts with the plastics and silicones in a probe and can degrade the lens, crack the strain relief and discolour the case. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for approved disinfectants.
What damages ultrasound probes most often?
The most common causes of damage we see are drops and knocks, cables being run over or caught under machine wheels, cables wrapped tightly around the probe, unapproved cleaning products (including alcohol), probe covers or wraps not approved for the probe model, and continuing to use a probe with a small lens cut or seal gap that lets fluid in.
What should I do if I drop my ultrasound probe?
Have it checked, even if it seems to work. A drop can warp the case and cause the seams to separate, letting gel and fluid into the probe head where they damage the electronics and create infection-control and electrical safety risks. This damage is often invisible from the outside, and 3D/4D probes are particularly vulnerable to drop damage.
Other Services
Do you sell replacement ultrasound probes?
Yes. We can source replacement probes for most systems. Browse our Store by brand or contact us for a quote.
Do you service ultrasound machines as well as probes?
Yes. Our biomedical engineering team specialises in ultrasound imaging equipment and offers multivendor support, annual preventative maintenance that meets accreditation requirements, and major breakdown and general repairs. All repairs are covered by our three-month warranty. See General Equipment Servicing and Repairs.
Can I set up my own probe repair laboratory?
Yes. ProbeLogic has helped set up probe repair laboratories in the UK, India and the USA, and provides all the equipment and full training needed. See International Laboratories to find out more.