Transfer standard device to improve the traceable calibration of physiotherapy ultrasound machines

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2006 Sep;32(9):1423-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2006.04.001.

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) physiotherapy as a clinical treatment is extremely common in the Western world. Internationally, regulation to ensure safe application of US physiotherapy by regular calibration ranges from nil to mandatory. The need for a portable power standard (PPS) has been addressed within a European Community (EC)-funded project. This PPS consists of an electrical driver, a set of US transducers and a cavitation detector (CD). Each component has been extensively tested for stability and travel robustness. Transducer output power has been determined with an uncertainty of <3.3% and with a long-term (2-y) output stability of better than 3%. The CD can detect bubble activity for powers above 3 W for a 1-MHz transducer. Travel trials demonstrated the utility of the PPS in practical measurement environments. Deviations in power measurements observed during these trials were mostly acceptable (<10%), although there were also examples of gross differences (>100%). The PPS is now ready to be used to underpin traceable calibration of physiotherapy devices.

MeSH terms

  • Calibration / standards
  • Electronics, Medical / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • European Union
  • Humans
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / instrumentation
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / standards*
  • Temperature
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / instrumentation
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / standards*