Probe test system receives patent

ProbeHunter, a system that validates the performance of ultrasound probes in real time, has been granted a patent in the USA and Sweden.

ProbeHunter and BBS Medical ceo Björn Segall said: “As patent-holder it is with great humility that we receive this recognition. It is of importance for patient safety to test and quality assure ultrasound probes on a frequent basis.

“A study shows that up to 40 per cent of probes need to be attended to at a hospital that has not tested the probes. After yearly testing it is possible to arrive at a faulty frequency of 10-15 per cent, due to the fact that even some new probes can have some kind of inaccuracy or damage.”

Segall continued: “It has been noted in many cases that doctors and biotechnologists are not aware of the problem, since it often occurs in non-imaging modes like CW-Doppler or elastography. The problem is that you cannot see the problem – you need to test.”

Picture: ProbeHunter’s Björn Segall performs a probe test.

Published on page 16 of the June 2020 issue of RAD Magazine.