Acoustic Output Safety, QC & Field Service

Syllabus

# ULS 110 - Acoustic Output Safety, QC & Field Service

**Course Title:** Acoustic Output Safety, QC & Field Service
**Course Number:** ULS 110
**Credits:** 3
**Term:** 2
**Program:** Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine Service Technician Certificate

## Course Description
This course provides essential knowledge and practical skills for diagnostic ultrasound service technicians concerning acoustic output safety, quality control, and field service procedures. Topics include understanding thermal and mechanical indices, performing phantom-based quality assurance, implementing proper probe disinfection protocols, conducting preventive maintenance, and maintaining accurate service documentation. Students will learn to interpret ultrasound exam results for troubleshooting and service validation, ensuring patient and operator safety while maintaining equipment performance. This course emphasizes industry best practices and regulatory compliance for ultrasound systems.

## Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
* Explain the principles of thermal and mechanical indices and their clinical significance in ultrasound safety.
* Perform comprehensive phantom-based quality control tests on diagnostic ultrasound systems to assess image quality and acoustic output.
* Implement and document appropriate high-level disinfection and sterilization protocols for various ultrasound transducers.
* Execute preventive maintenance procedures on ultrasound systems and probes according to manufacturer specifications and industry standards.
* Accurately document all service activities, quality control results, and safety checks in compliance with regulatory requirements.
* Analyze ultrasound exam images and reports to identify potential system malfunctions requiring service intervention.

## Topics by Week
*   **Week 1:** Introduction to Ultrasound Safety and Acoustic Output Principles
*   **Week 2:** Thermal Index (TI) and Mechanical Index (MI) Explained
*   **Week 3:** Ultrasound Bioeffects and Regulatory Standards
*   **Week 4:** Ultrasound Transducer Care and Handling
*   **Week 5:** Transducer Disinfection and Sterilization Protocols
*   **Week 6:** Introduction to Ultrasound Quality Control Phantoms
*   **Week 7:** Performing Image Quality Assessment with Phantoms
*   **Week 8:** Acoustic Output Measurement and Verification
*   **Week 9:** Preventive Maintenance Procedures for Ultrasound Systems
*   **Week 10:** Troubleshooting Common Ultrasound System Malfunctions
*   **Week 11:** Service Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
*   **Week 12:** Reviewing Ultrasound Exams for Service Diagnostics
*   **Week 13:** Midterm Review and Practice Exercises
*   **Week 14:** Final Exam Review and Comprehensive Problem Solving

## Grading
*   Knowledge Checks: 15%
*   Assignments and Labs: 30%
*   Quizzes: 25%
*   Final Exam: 30%

## Policies
*   **Attendance:** Regular attendance and active participation are expected for all lectures and labs.
*   **Late Submissions:** Assignments submitted after the deadline may incur a penalty unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.
*   **Academic Integrity:** All work submitted must be original. Plagiarism or cheating will result in severe academic penalties as outlined in the Anode Technical Institute student handbook.
*   **Safety:** Adherence to all safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory during lab sessions. Failure to comply may result in immediate dismissal from the lab.