The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has released two standards for ultrasound users who want to measure the performance of their equipment.
UD 2-2004, Acoustic Output Measurement Standard for Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment, describes a set of measurement procedures for ultrasonic output parameters, according to the Rosslyn, VA-based trade association. NEMA said the standard achieves this objective by precisely defining quantities, primarily those relating to acoustic output levels, and specifying standard procedures for measuring them.
The standard's appendix A was revised to include discussions of the one-sided tolerance limit for normal distributions, type A and type B uncertainty specifications, and multiple console/transducer combinations for a particular model.
The association has also updated UD 3-2004, Standard for Real-Time Display of Thermal and Mechanical Acoustic Output Indices on Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment. That standard allows users to monitor acoustic output display in real-time during the course of an ultrasound examination, gaining information intended to minimize patient exposure to ultrasound while maximizing diagnostic information and ease of use, NEMA said.
The standard was revised to include discussions of how equipment will display the best estimate of the mean index values. A description of the display uncertainty will be included in the operator's instruction manual.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
September 24, 2004
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