Analysis and evaluation of a novel quality assurance device for ultrasonic medical imaging systems.

A novel test device that has the potential to facilitate day-to-day maintenance and quality assurance of ultrasonic medical imaging systems was developed and tested. The device consists of small echogenic particles deposited on a thin film substrate in patterns similar to those found on conventional eye charts, which can be scanned to produce recognizable images that can be quantitatively evaluated in a quick and repeatable fashion. An evaluation system consisting of this device and a related assessment methodology was tested at several locations by both physicians and sonographers. The results of the testing and responses of the users were both encouraging and insightful.